Modular Hydraulic Manifold Layout for Lower Heat and Plumbing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic manifolds used in earthmoving machines are bulky, inefficient, and prone to overheating due to sub-optimal valve and actuator positioning, increased plumbing requirements, and heat generation from throttling and bends.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydraulic manifold with multiple control modules, each featuring a spool chamber, load sensing passages, and enlarged outlet ports, is designed to reduce heat generation and improve fluid communication between modules, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydraulic actuator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manifold systems use traditional valve and actuator positioning, then the system can achieve basic hydraulic control functionality, but the system becomes bulky and requires increased plumbing
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple modular valve assemblies, each containing a valve body, spool, spring, and associated passages. These modules can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity and size while maintaining full hydraulic control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (valves, actuators, passages, and connectors) are integrated into a single compact manifold assembly. The modular design allows these components to be combined efficiently, eliminating the need for separate plumbing and reducing the overall volume required for installation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional manifold systems use traditional plumbing configurations, then the system can connect hydraulic actuators, but heat generation increases due to throttling and bends
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is pre-configured with optimized passage geometries and flow paths during manufacturing. Load sensing passages and spool supply passages are designed with smooth transitions and minimal bends, preventing heat generation from poor flow dynamics before the system operates.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic passage parameters (cross-sectional area, shape, length, and orientation) are optimized to minimize pressure drops and throttling effects. Enlarged outlet ports and strategically positioned passages reduce flow resistance and eliminate sharp bends, thereby reducing heat generation during hydraulic fluid flow.
3Ease of operation
If conventional manifold systems are manufactured with traditional designs, then the system can provide hydraulic control, but manufacturing costs increase and maintenance becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as modular valve assemblies that can be manufactured using standardized processes and then assembled. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, quality control, and maintenance while maintaining full hydraulic control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular valve assemblies are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points, allowing the same basic module design to serve multiple hydraulic control functions. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity and maintenance requirements while providing comprehensive hydraulic control.
4Ease of operation
If conventional manifold systems require increased plumbing, then the system can achieve desired functionality, but the space required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hydraulic functions and connection points are merged into a single compact manifold assembly. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate plumbing components and connectors, reducing the overall installation footprint while maintaining full hydraulic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by positioning passages and ports in multiple dimensions. The spool chamber extends along a first axis, while side ports are positioned on perpendicular surfaces, allowing compact arrangement of multiple connection points without increasing the overall footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a modular hydraulic manifold for controlling an operation of a hydraulic actuator for an earthmoving machine. The manifold has a spool chamber and a load sensing passageway. The body also has a spool positioned axially within the spool chamber. The spool is spring-biased by an end cap. The module also has a pair of spool actuators that are located at a second end of the body and operable to axially displace the spool within the spool chamber. The pair of spool actuators are positioned in parallel and disposed adjacent to one another. The manifold also has an inlet chamber disposed parallel to the spool chamber and in selective fluid communication with the spool chamber via a spool supply passageway. The body includes openings on opposite sides that open directly to inlet and spool chambers of adjacent bodies to reduce passageway constriction within the hydraulic system.