Modular Hydraulic Motor Control for Remote Conveyor Drives
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic control systems for drive motors in bulk material haulage, such as conveyor belts, are limited in speed and force adjustment range and have a high number of control parameters, leading to complexity and increased component counts, including extensive hydraulic hoses and connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydraulic control system with a master unit controlling multiple slave units via electronic or electrical connections, utilizing pressure transducers and pilot valves to regulate hydraulic fluid flow, reducing the need for intermediate hoses and minimizing control parameters by allowing remote operation of slave units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hydraulic control systems are used to control drive motors in bulk material haulage, then speed and force adjustment is provided, but the range of adjustment is limited and the number of control parameters is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hydraulic control systems with an electro-hydraulic system that uses electronic control signals to actuate hydraulic components. The master unit sends electrical control signals to slave units, which then control hydraulic motors through electronic-hydraulic conversion, thereby expanding the adjustment range while reducing the number of manual control parameters needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements variable displacement hydraulic motors that can dynamically change their displacement parameters during operation. This allows continuous adjustment of speed and torque over a wide range by modifying the motor displacement parameter, rather than being limited to fixed gear ratios or discrete control steps in traditional systems.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hydraulic control systems with multiple control parameters are used, then drive control is provided, but the number of component parts and control supply lines such as hydraulic fluid hosing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from the hydraulic power transmission function. The master unit contains all control electronics and sends only electrical signals to slave units, separating the complex control logic from the simple hydraulic actuation. This eliminates the need for multiple hydraulic control lines and reduces the system to essential components only.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical control signals as an intermediary between the operator and the hydraulic system. Instead of directly controlling hydraulic valves through mechanical linkages or multiple hydraulic lines, the system uses electrical signals as a mediator to transmit control commands from the master unit to slave units, simplifying the physical connections required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If slave units are located remote from the master unit, then directional speed and torque control is provided, but extensive hydraulic hosing would be required without electronic/electrical coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hydraulic connections with electrical/electronic signal transmission for control purposes. The master unit sends electrical control signals through wires or wireless communication to slave units located at remote positions, eliminating the need for long hydraulic control hoses while maintaining full control capability over speed, torque, and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits control commands, provides feedback signals, and coordinates operation of multiple slave units from a single master unit. This multi-functional electrical communication infrastructure replaces what would otherwise require separate dedicated hydraulic lines for each control function.
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 provides flexible speed, torque, and directional control with reduced complexity and component count, enabling efficient and reliable operation of conveyor belts over long distances without extensive hydraulic hoses, thus simplifying installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure transducer at the master unit is coupled electronically or electrically with a pressure reducing valve arrangement provided at each slave hydraulic unit
Implementation Method 2
a pilot valve assembly fluidly connected in a fluid flow direction between the master control valve assembly and the master motor
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system is arranged to control a plurality of drive motors suitable for driving conveying apparatus such as a conveyor belt. The hydraulic system includes a modular master and slave hydraulic units implemented as hydraulic circuits in which pressure sensors and pressure reducing valves provide speed, torque and directional control.