Meterless Hydraulic System Multi-Actuator Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems face inefficiencies due to fluid restriction for speed control, and existing meterless systems lack simultaneous operation of travel motors and hydraulic cylinders with independent speed control and reversing actuation directions.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with a closed-loop circuit connecting a pump to rotary and linear actuators, including valves for fluid flow direction switching and isolation, allowing for independent control of actuator speeds and directions, and utilizing variable displacement pumps for efficient fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fluid restriction is used to control actuator speed in a conventional hydraulic system, then speed control is achieved, but flow losses increase and overall system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the throttling valves and fluid restriction elements from the hydraulic system. Instead of restricting flow to control speed, the system uses a closed-loop circuit where the pump directly controls actuator speed by varying its displacement, eliminating the energy losses associated with fluid restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical throttling valve system with an electronically controlled variable displacement pump system. The pump's displacement is adjusted based on operator input and system feedback, substituting mechanical flow restriction with electronic control of fluid delivery rate.
2Device complexity
If a single pump is connected to multiple actuators in a meterless hydraulic system, then the number of pumps is reduced, but simultaneous operation of multiple actuators with independent speed control and reversing capabilities is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydraulic system into separate closed-loop circuits, with each actuator having its own dedicated pump or at least its own independent circuit control. This segmentation allows each actuator to operate independently with its own speed and direction control while maintaining the overall system efficiency of a meterless design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-functional valve system that can direct pressurized fluid to different actuators as needed. The isolation valves and flow direction control mechanisms allow a single pump to serve multiple actuators sequentially, while the system architecture enables simultaneous operation when multiple pumps are used, providing both cost-effectiveness and operational versatility.
3Ease of operation
If isolation valves are used to allow sequential operation of actuators, then pump pairing is achieved, but simultaneous use of multiple actuators with independent control is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically controllable isolation valves that can be positioned in real-time to direct fluid flow to different actuators. These valves can switch between sequential operation mode (one actuator at a time) and simultaneous operation mode (multiple actuators at once), providing dynamic adaptability based on operational requirements.
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
Enhances hydraulic efficiency by minimizing fluid wastage, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple actuators with independent speed control and reversing capabilities, improving overall system performance and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that draws low-pressure fluid from a tank, pressurizes the fluid, and makes the pressurized fluid available to multiple different actuators
Implementation Method 2
the pump draws fluid from one chamber of the actuator(s) and discharges pressurized fluid to an opposing chamber of the same actuator(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a rotary actuator, a linear actuator, and a closed-loop circuit fluidly connecting the pump to the rotary and linear actuators. The hydraulic system may also have at least one valve configured to switch fluid flow direction from the pump through the linear actuator during fluid flow in a single direction through the rotary actuator.