Loader Tool Hydraulic Synchronization for Continuous Dual-Element Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization control systems for tools carried by front loaders, such as tractors, require operator intervention when one element reaches a stop position, disrupting continuous movement and increasing operational fatigue and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic synchronization control system that allows continuous movement of both elements by maintaining hydraulic fluid communication between the 'claw' and 'dumping' cylinders through a solenoid valve and pressure limiters, enabling uninterrupted tipping or lifting operations without operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If synchronization control system stops both elements when one reaches stop position, then control simplicity is maintained, but operator intervention is required causing time loss and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator intervention requirementVSAvoidtime loss per work cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic circuit is designed to maintain continuous fluid communication between the two cylinders, allowing the second element to continue its movement even after the first element reaches its stop position. This eliminates interruptions and operator intervention, enabling continuous useful action throughout the entire work cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary hydraulic communication path that allows hydraulic fluid to bypass the stopped element's cylinder and continue supplying the moving element. This intermediary pathway enables the second element to complete its stroke without waiting for the first element, eliminating time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hydraulic circuit maintains series connection between two cylinders, then synchronized movement is achieved, but movement interruption occurs when one element reaches stop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronized movement controlVSAvoidwork cycle speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic circuit dynamically adapts its configuration based on the position of the elements. When both elements are in motion, the circuit maintains series connection for synchronization. When one element reaches stop, the circuit automatically transitions to allow parallel flow paths, enabling the second element to continue moving without interruption, thus maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the hydraulic flow parameters automatically based on the operational state. When the first element reaches its stop position, the hydraulic circuit modifies the flow distribution, allowing full hydraulic pressure and flow to be directed to the second element's cylinder, enabling it to complete its stroke at full speed without waiting for the first element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If operator changes solenoid valve position to complete movement, then individual element control is achieved, but repeated manipulations cause fatigue and slow down work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual element controlVSAvoiddumping or lifting work rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic circuit is designed to automatically manage the transition from synchronized movement to individual element movement without operator intervention. The system self-regulates the hydraulic flow based on the position feedback from the elements, automatically allowing the second element to continue its stroke when the first element stops, eliminating the need for operator manipulation and maintaining high work rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 uninterrupted and efficient tipping or lifting movements by allowing one element to continue its motion to a stop position without operator intervention, reducing operational fatigue and increasing work cycle speed.

Implementation Method 1

a communication of hydraulic liquid is created between the so-called 'claw opening' chamber of the claw cylinder, and the so-called 'lifting' chamber of the tipping cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid communication: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the exhaust system is adapted to allow said communication of hydraulic liquid to continue when one of the two cylinders is in the stop position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure limitation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4414504A1System for controlling two elements of a tool carried by a loader
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 M-EXTEND
  • EP4414504A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414504A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4414504A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The control system for synchronizing the movements of two elements, for example a grapple (3) and a handling device (2) such as a bucket, includes a synchronization system (6) for the control systems (1, 4) which modifies the positions of the two elements (2, 3) simultaneously with a series hydraulic circuit. The elements have different position ranges, and the system includes a motion continuation system which ensures that, when one of the elements reaches a stop position, the other element continues its movement to a stop position.