Linked Hydraulic Units for Synchronized Climbing Formwork
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic power units for climbing formwork require large space due to pressure loss and oscillating volume issues when using long hydraulic loops, and synchronizing movement of climbing units is either laborious or requires large, inefficient power units.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic arrangement with multiple smaller hydraulic power units connected via a data link for synchronized control, reducing pressure losses and oscillating volumes by shortening hydraulic lines and allowing efficient simultaneous movement of multiple cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large hydraulic power unit supplies all hydraulic cylinders through a long hydraulic loop, then all cylinders can be actuated, but pressure loss increases significantly (approximately 1 bar per meter) and the total oscillating volume becomes very large requiring a large power unit design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydraulic power supply system into multiple smaller hydraulic power units (each supplying a maximum of four hydraulic cylinders) instead of using a single large power unit. This segmentation reduces the hydraulic loop length for each unit, thereby minimizing pressure losses while maintaining the ability to actuate all cylinders across the climbing formwork system.
2Loss of energy
If the hydraulic loop has a large internal diameter to reduce pressure loss, then pressure loss decreases, but the total oscillating volume increases significantly requiring a larger power unit and greater space requirement
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hydraulic system into multiple smaller power units, each with its own compact hydraulic loop, the patent avoids the need for large internal diameter pipes that would be required in a single large-loop system. Each segmented unit maintains small oscillating volume and compact design while collectively serving all hydraulic cylinders.
3Reliability
If climbing units are moved simultaneously to avoid falling edges, then safety improves, but a large hydraulic power unit with large oscillating volume is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydraulic power supply into multiple distributed power units, each equipped with its own control unit. These control units communicate via data link to coordinate simultaneous movement of climbing units across different segments, achieving synchronization without requiring a single large centralized power unit with large oscillating volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units of the segmented hydraulic power units exchange information via data link about cylinder positions and movement status, enabling real-time coordination and feedback-based synchronization of climbing units across all segments, ensuring simultaneous movement for safety while maintaining compact individual unit design.
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
The solution enables efficient, space-saving simultaneous movement of multiple hydraulic cylinders with reduced pressure losses and oscillating volumes, enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of climbing formwork systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each hydraulic power unit comprises at least one pump for delivering a fluid flow into the hydraulic cylinder(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic arrangement. The hydraulic arrangement has multiple hydraulic units, the control units of which are connected, in particular in series, via a data connection. The control units are preferably designed to control selectively only hydraulic cylinders directly associated with said units, or also indirectly control, via the data connection and the control unit of an additional hydraulic unit, the hydraulic cylinders associated with said additional hydraulic unit. A climbing formwork having at least one climbing unit, in particular multiple climbing units. The hydraulic units can be linked via the data connection such that synchronous lifting and/or lowering of all climbing units can be or is achieved. The hydraulic units are preferably connected in a master-slave arrangement or are preferably controlled in a master-slave mode. Also preferably, the hydraulic units are designed to switch from the master-slave mode to the stand-alone mode.