Load-Sensing Hydraulic Regulator for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load sensing systems used to supply hydraulic power to agricultural implements from traction vehicles are often affected by leakage, wear, and friction, leading to unstable signals and inefficiencies, and are not universally compatible with different tractor makes and models, resulting in suboptimal performance and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement equipped with a sensor device to detect pressure and flow in the hydraulic system, a regulating device connected to the load-sensing line, and a control unit that adjusts the pressure and flow to maintain a predetermined level, mitigating the effects of leakage and wear, and ensuring compatibility with various tractors by stabilizing the load-sensing signal and optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional load sensing system is used to supply hydraulic power, then the system can operate with a small number of lines and automatic pressure adjustment, but the system becomes sensitive to leakage, wear and friction causing unstable signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary system consisting of sensors, electronic controllers, and solenoid valves that mediate between the hydraulic components. This electronic intermediary compensates for signal degradation caused by leakage and wear, maintaining reliable control while preserving the simplicity of the hydraulic line configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical load sensing mechanism with an electronic sensing and control system. Pressure sensors and electronic controllers substitute for traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms, eliminating the sensitivity to mechanical wear and friction while maintaining the hydraulic line simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional load sensing system is used, then the system can automatically adjust pressure based on implement requirements, but the system shows variations in performance across different tractor makes and models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal electronic control system that can interface with multiple tractor types through standardized communication protocols and adaptive calibration. The electronic controller automatically adjusts to different tractor characteristics, enabling the same implement to work optimally across various tractor makes and models while maintaining automatic pressure adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic adaptation mechanism where the electronic control system continuously monitors system parameters and automatically adjusts control strategies to match the specific characteristics of the connected tractor. This dynamic adjustment enables compatibility across different tractor types without requiring manual reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic fluid is continuously supplied via the feed line to maintain pressure, then the hydraulic functions remain ready for operation, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or demand-based hydraulic fluid supply instead of continuous supply. The electronic control system activates solenoid valves to supply hydraulic fluid only when specific functions are actuated or when pressure thresholds are reached, reducing energy consumption while maintaining operational readiness through rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where pressure sensors monitor system pressure and provide signals to the electronic controller, which then adjusts the hydraulic fluid supply accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures hydraulic functions remain ready for operation by maintaining appropriate pressure levels only when needed, rather than continuous high-pressure supply.
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 provides a stable and efficient hydraulic power supply to agricultural implements, reducing energy consumption and ensuring functionality across different tractor models by accurately regulating pressure and flow, thereby enhancing the overall performance and energy efficiency of the equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device for detecting a pressure in relation to the hydraulically-operated function and/or in relation to the load-sensing line
Implementation Method 2
a regulating device which is hydraulically connected to the load-sensing line and to at least one of the feed line or return line, and a control unit which is arranged to receive a signal from the sensor device and to control the regulating device to provide a predetermined pressure and/or flow on the load-sensing line
Data Source
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AI summary
This document discloses an agricultural implement which has at least one hydraulically activated function. The agricultural implement comprises an incoming feed line (P) for hydraulic fluid, an outgoing return line (T) for the hydraulic fluid and an outgoing load-sensing line (LS). The agricultural implement also comprises a sensor device (p_P, p_L) for detecting a pressure in relation to the hydraulically activated function and/or in relation the load-sensing line (LS), a regulating device (Preg) which is hydraulically connected to the load-sensing line (LS) and to at least one of the feed line (P) or return line (T), and a control unit (LSreg) which is arranged to receive a signal from the sensor device (p_P, p_L) and to control the regulating device (Preg) to provide a predetermined pressure and/or flow on the load-sensing line (LS).