Ground Milling Machine Emergency Hydraulic Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground milling machines with defective primary drive units are difficult to move and relocate, especially due to their heavy weight and the time-consuming process of towing, which can disrupt construction operations under deadline pressure.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled ground milling machine equipped with a closed hydraulic circuit that includes separation and connection points allows for the connection of an emergency hydraulic supply system, enabling the emergency hydraulic pump to bypass the main hydraulic pump and provide sufficient drive energy for limited operation, such as slow travel or belt emptying, by using an auxiliary drive unit or existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the ground milling machine is equipped with a heavy-duty primary drive unit to handle its heavy weight, then the machine can perform milling operations effectively, but the machine becomes difficult to move and relocate when the primary drive unit fails
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic drive system is segmented into multiple independent circuits: a main hydraulic circuit for normal operation and an emergency hydraulic circuit for emergency relocation. This segmentation allows the emergency circuit to operate independently when the primary drive fails, enabling the heavy machine to be moved without requiring the main primary drive unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system operates in two different parameter states: normal operation mode with the main hydraulic pump providing full power for milling, and emergency mode with the auxiliary hydraulic pump providing reduced power sufficient only for relocation. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Loss of energy
If the ground milling machine uses a closed hydraulic circuit for efficient power transmission, then energy utilization is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional components for emergency operation
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency hydraulic circuit is merged with the existing closed hydraulic circuit architecture, utilizing the same hydraulic motors and circuit structure. This merging allows the emergency system to benefit from the energy efficiency of the closed circuit design while adding only the minimal necessary components (auxiliary pump, connection points, valves).
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic motors serve dual functions: they drive the travel units during normal operation through the main hydraulic pump, and they can be driven by the auxiliary hydraulic pump for emergency relocation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated emergency drive components.
3Ease of operation
If towing the ground milling machine is used as a backup solution when the primary drive fails, then the machine can be moved, but the process is time-consuming and requires specialized towing vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency hydraulic circuit enables the ground milling machine to move itself autonomously without requiring external towing vehicles. The auxiliary hydraulic pump, driven by an independent power source (such as a portable generator or battery), provides sufficient power to drive the travel units and relocate the machine to a new position or to a repair facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary hydraulic pump acts as an intermediary power source between the failed primary drive unit and the travel units. It temporarily bridges the power transmission gap, allowing the machine to be moved without direct mechanical towing, thereby reducing relocation time and eliminating the need for specialized towing equipment.
4Productivity
If the ground milling machine is designed to be fully operational with all systems active, then productivity is maximized, but the system becomes more vulnerable to complete failure when the primary drive unit malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency hydraulic circuit is prepared in advance as a backup system, with all necessary components (auxiliary pump, connection points, valves, hydraulic motors) already integrated into the machine. This prior cushioning ensures that when the primary drive unit fails, the machine can immediately switch to emergency mode without significant downtime or additional failures.
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 the ground milling machine to be moved or relocated in an emergency situation, allowing for continued operation or transport to a different location without relying on the primary drive unit, thus addressing the challenge of relocating heavy machines efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
at least one closed hydraulic circuit is provided for driving at least one travel unit and/or for driving a milled material conveyor device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled ground milling machine and a method for operating a ground milling machine in an emergency mode of operation.