Hydraulic Fluid Warm-Up via Bypass Return Line Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The initial start-up and operation of work vehicles in cold climates are hindered by cold, viscous hydraulic fluid, which reduces efficiency and power control due to increased pressure drops, and existing solutions require expensive additional equipment like thermostat-based flow control valves.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic circuit with a cooled return line branch and a bypass return line branch, electronically controlled by a controller to adjust the flow of hydraulic fluid between the two branches, allowing for efficient warming of the fluid by bypassing the cooler during initial start-up and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooler is used during initial start-up to maintain hydraulic fluid at normal operating temperature, then the hydraulic fluid temperature is controlled, but the warm-up time is extended and hydraulic efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cooler operation conditional rather than static. The controller dynamically adjusts the cooler's operation based on real-time temperature feedback from the sensor, allowing the system to adapt its cooling function to the current operational state - actively cooling when temperature exceeds the threshold and inactive when below it, thereby reducing unnecessary warm-up time while maintaining temperature control when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using a temperature sensor to continuously monitor hydraulic fluid temperature and feed this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the cooler operation based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes cooling activation to minimize warm-up time while preventing overheating
2Temperature
If the cooler operates continuously to maintain hydraulic fluid temperature, then temperature control is ensured, but hydraulic efficiency and power control are reduced due to cold viscous fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller evaluate temperature conditions before activating the cooler. The temperature sensor continuously monitors and the controller proactively decides whether cooling is needed based on the threshold comparison, preventing unnecessary cooling activation that would reduce hydraulic efficiency and power control in cold conditions
3Loss of time
If thermostat-based flow control valves are installed to improve hydraulic fluid warm-up, then warm-up efficiency is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing controller perform multiple functions - it not only controls the cooler operation but also monitors temperature and makes decisions about cooler activation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate thermostat-based flow control valves, reducing system complexity and installation cost while still achieving improved warm-up efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the existing controller and temperature sensor to automatically manage the cooler operation without requiring additional control components. The system monitors its own temperature state and self-regulates the cooler activation, eliminating the need for external thermostat valves and simplifying the overall system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables faster warm-up of hydraulic fluid, improving the efficiency and power control of work vehicles by avoiding unnecessary cooling during initial start-up, thus reducing the time required to reach normal operating temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a cooled return line branch with a cooler
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle including a hydraulic circuit having a cooled return line with a cooler, a bypass return line that bypasses the cooler on the cooled return line, and a controller that electronically controls the flow of hydraulic fluid between the cooled return line and the bypass return line.