Loader Hydraulic Valve Control for Simultaneous Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydraulic control systems for loaders on work vehicles, such as tractors, face inefficiencies when simultaneously operating lifting and bucket control mechanisms, either losing maximum load with series arrangements or reducing productivity with parallel arrangements, leading to economic unfeasibility and reduced adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A control system that dynamically switches between series and parallel valve arrangements based on pressure conditions, using a control valve, pressure detection valve, and direction valve to optimize fluid flow and pressure distribution, ensuring maximum load capacity and operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a series valve arrangement is used to control lifting and bucket mechanisms, then the system operates rapidly with high fluid pressure concentration, but the maximum load capacity is drastically reduced when both mechanisms operate simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoidmaximum load capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between series and parallel valve arrangements based on operational conditions. When only one mechanism operates, series arrangement provides rapid response. When both mechanisms operate simultaneously, the system transitions to parallel arrangement to maintain adequate load capacity, thus adapting the configuration in real-time to optimize both speed and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the hydraulic circuit configuration parameter from series to parallel based on the operational state. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high pressure concentration for rapid operation when needed, while distributing pressure to maintain load capacity when both mechanisms operate, resolving the contradiction between speed and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a parallel valve arrangement is used to control lifting and bucket mechanisms, then the maximum load capacity is maintained for simultaneous operation, but the operation speed is substantially reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum load capacityVSAvoidoperation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the optimal valve arrangement based on operational requirements. During single-mechanism operation, series arrangement provides rapid response. During dual-mechanism operation, parallel arrangement maintains load capacity. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by applying the appropriate configuration contextually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into multiple operational modes (series mode and parallel mode) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed during single-mechanism operation and for load capacity during dual-mechanism operation, eliminating the need to compromise either parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single hydraulic system is designed to handle both series and parallel arrangements with sufficient capacity, then both operating conditions are satisfied, but the system size and cost become economically unfeasible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic reconfiguration of the hydraulic circuit to provide both series and parallel arrangements using the same physical components. This eliminates the need for oversized systems designed for worst-case scenarios, as the system adapts its configuration to match actual operational demands, reducing overall system size and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same hydraulic components serve multiple functions by being reconfigured between series and parallel arrangements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems or oversized components, achieving both adaptability and economic feasibility through clever system design rather than brute-force capacity increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system allows simultaneous operation of lifting and bucket control mechanisms without speed loss or maximum load reduction, promoting adaptability and efficiency by automatically adjusting valve connections according to working conditions, eliminating the need for oversized vehicles or multiple systems.

Implementation Method 1

Both the lifting and bucket control mechanisms are controlled through a logic of hydraulics, which uses a set of valves in order to direct the fluid towards each mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic principle: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3318679B1Control system for a loader of a work vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 CNH IND ITALIA SPA
  • EP3318679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3318679B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6

AI summary

The present invention comprises a control system for a loader of a work vehicle, the loader comprises a lifting mechanism (100) and a bucket control mechanism (200), being the lifting mechanism (100) controlled by a lifting valve (150), the bucket control mechanism (200) being controlled by a bucket valve (250), the control system further comprises a control valve (20) configured to promote the connection of the lifting valves (150) and the bucket valves (250) in an arrangement in series or in parallel upon increase or decrease of the pressure required by the control system, in a way that the concerned system promotes the alternation between arrangements in series and in parallel according to the system conditions, promoting the possibility if using the mechanisms simultaneously under maximum load, and optimizing the working velocity of the vehicle.