Modular Electrohydraulic Layout for Combine Weight and Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural combines with numerous hydraulically powered actuators require extensive hydraulic lines, leading to increased manufacturing costs, weight, and complexity, with shared components causing issues in serviceability and problem isolation.
Innovation Solution
A distributed electrohydraulic system with hydraulically isolated electrohydraulic modules, each having its own hydraulic and electrically-operated components, powered independently by an electrical source and controlled by a processor-based system, reducing the need for shared components and hydraulic lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a main hydraulic pump and main control valve supply power to dispersed actuators through hydraulic lines running all over the combine, then hydraulic power can be delivered to multiple locations, but the weight of the combine increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple independent modular units distributed throughout the combine. Each module contains its own hydraulic pump, reservoir, and control valve, eliminating the need for extensive hydraulic lines connecting a central system to dispersed actuators. This segmentation delivers hydraulic power to multiple locations while significantly reducing the weight of hydraulic infrastructure.
2Power
If a main hydraulic pump and main control valve supply power to dispersed actuators through hydraulic lines, then hydraulic power can be delivered to multiple locations, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into standardized modular units that can be manufactured independently and assembled during combine production. Each module is a self-contained package with consistent components, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing overall cost compared to installing extensive custom hydraulic line networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular hydraulic units are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions and be installed in various locations throughout the combine. This multi-functionality allows a single module design to replace numerous specialized hydraulic connections, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Power
If hydraulic lines run all over the combine to reach dispersed actuators, then hydraulic power can be delivered to multiple locations, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is organized into discrete modular units distributed throughout the combine, each serving a specific local function. This segmentation eliminates the complex network of hydraulic lines that would connect a central system to multiple actuators, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver hydraulic power to dispersed locations.
4Power
If shared hydraulic components are used throughout the combine, then a centralized hydraulic system can serve multiple actuators, but serviceability and problem isolation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into independent modular units, each with its own hydraulic pump, reservoir, and control valve. This segmentation isolates potential problems to specific modules, making serviceability and troubleshooting significantly easier compared to a centralized system where issues can affect the entire hydraulic network.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular hydraulic unit is designed as a self-contained system that can be serviced independently without affecting other modules. This self-service capability allows maintenance personnel to repair or replace individual modules in place, improving overall system serviceability and reducing downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed electrohydraulic system includes an electrical power source, electrohydraulic modules, and a control system. Each of the electrohydraulic modules includes one or more hydraulic components and one or more electrically-operated components which affect an operation of the one or more hydraulic components. The one or more hydraulic components of each of the electrohydraulic modules is hydraulically isolated from the one or more hydraulic components of another one of the electrohydraulic modules The one or more electrically-operated components of each of the electrohydraulic modules is electrically coupled to the electrical power source to receive electrical power. The control system includes one or more processors and memory devices electrically coupled to the electrical power source and the one or more electrically-operated components of the electrohydraulic modules. The control system is configured to execute commands to operate independently the one or more electrically-operated components of each of the electrohydraulic modules.