Hydraulic Warm-Up Control for Construction Machine Working Fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Construction machines, such as excavators, require workers to continuously operate the operation lever for an extended period to raise the temperature of the working fluid to a suitable level for winter operations, causing inconvenience and wasting time.

Innovation Solution

A construction machine equipped with an automatic warm-up system that includes a control device, a bypass cut valve, and a heating device, which automatically increases the engine's revolutions and opens the bypass cut valve to enhance the flow rate and pressure of the working fluid, allowing for efficient temperature rise without continuous manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the operation lever is operated continuously to raise the temperature of the working fluid, then the temperature rise speed is improved, but the worker's convenience deteriorates and time is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature of working fluidVSAvoidworker convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the warm-up operation without requiring continuous manual intervention. The control unit monitors the temperature sensor and autonomously controls the hydraulic pump and bypass valve to maintain temperature rise, eliminating the need for the worker to continuously operate the lever.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensor continuously monitors the working fluid temperature and feeds this information back to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the hydraulic pump operation and bypass valve position to optimize temperature rise while minimizing manual operation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If the operation lever is operated continuously for 30-40 minutes to warm up the working fluid, then the temperature suitability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature suitability for operationVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the hydraulic pump discharge量和 bypass valve opening based on real-time temperature feedback. This dynamic control optimizes the warm-up rate, reducing the required warm-up time from 30-40 minutes to a shorter duration while ensuring the working fluid reaches suitable operating temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes operational parameters (hydraulic pump discharge量, bypass valve opening degree) based on temperature conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically during the warm-up process, the system achieves faster temperature rise and reduces the time required to reach operational temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If the hydraulic pump pressure is raised to maximum relief pressure to increase temperature rise speed, then the temperature rise speed is improved, but the risk of hydraulic equipment damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature rise speedVSAvoidhydraulic equipment safety
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls the hydraulic pump discharge量和 system pressure based on temperature feedback rather than maintaining maximum pressure continuously. This dynamic adjustment achieves efficient temperature rise while keeping pressure within safe limits, preventing damage to hydraulic equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass valve provides a pressure relief path that prevents excessive pressure buildup during the warm-up process. By controlling the bypass valve opening, the system cushions against pressure spikes that could damage hydraulic components while still achieving adequate temperature rise speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables quick and efficient warming of the working fluid to a suitable temperature for hydraulic equipment operation, reducing worker effort and time, while minimizing the risk of hydraulic equipment damage through controlled temperature increments.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device configured to raise the temperature of the working fluid stored in the oil tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

one or more hydraulic pumps for discharging a working fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3556947B1Construction machine
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 HD HYUNDAI INFRACORE CO LTD
  • EP3556947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3556947B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3556947B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A construction machine includes: one or more hydraulic pumps discharging a working fluid; an engine supplying a rotational power to the hydraulic pumps; a hydraulic line through which the working fluid discharged by the hydraulic pumps moves; a main control valve provided on the hydraulic line and controlling supply of the working fluid to a traveling device or one or more of various working devices, which require the working fluid; a bypass cut valve provided on the hydraulic line at a lower side thereof than the main control valve to open and close the hydraulic line; an automatic warm-up switch generating a warm-up operation signal for raising a temperature of the working fluid before an operation starts; and a control device performing a warm-up operation for increasing the number of revolutions of the engine and opening the bypass cut valve to increase a flow rate along the hydraulic line, when the warm-up operation signal is received from the automatic warm-up switch.