Modular Hydraulic Manifold Parallel Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manifold systems for earthmoving machines are bulky, expensive to manufacture, and require significant space due to sub-optimal valve and actuator positioning, as well as excessive plumbing, which complicates installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular manifold with control modules featuring a spool chamber, load sensing passageway, and electrohydraulic spool actuators, where the spool is spring-biased and axially displaced by parallel spool actuators, and includes a pressure compensating hydrostat and load check valve to optimize fluid communication and reduce plumbing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional manifold systems use traditional valve and actuator positioning, then the system is robust and reliable, but the system becomes bulky and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the spool actuators from a traditional lateral arrangement to a parallel arrangement at the second end of the body, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the manifold. This dimensional reorganization allows compact packaging of components while maintaining all necessary fluid communication pathways, thereby reducing the overall footprint without compromising system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components. The control module combines the spool valve, spool actuators, inlet chamber, pressure compensating hydrostat, and load check valve into a single integrated assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate plumbing connections between discrete components, reducing both space requirements and system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional manifold systems use extensive plumbing to connect valves and actuators, then the system achieves desired functionality, but the manufacture becomes expensive and installation complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control module integrates the spool valve, inlet chamber, pressure compensating hydrostat, and load check valve into a single unified assembly with internal fluid passages. This integration eliminates the need for external plumbing connections between these components, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and installation requirements while maintaining complete hydraulic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system is divided into modular control modules, each being a self-contained unit that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual modules without extensive plumbing, while the modular nature facilitates easy assembly and reduces overall system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the spool actuators are positioned traditionally, then the system structure is simple, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spool actuators are positioned in parallel at the second end of the body, utilizing the longitudinal axis of the manifold rather than traditional lateral positioning. This dimensional change allows the actuators to be compactly arranged without increasing the overall footprint, while still providing adequate space for their operation and connection to the spool valve.
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 modular design reduces the need for extensive plumbing, minimizes space requirements, and lowers installation costs while enhancing operational efficiency by allowing flexible fluid flow management for dynamically changing load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The spool is spring-biased by an end cap located at a first end of the body
Implementation Method 2
The pressure compensating hydrostat has a valve member that is moveably positioned between a flow blocking position and a flow permitting position to fluid from the inlet port by a fluid pressure differential between the spool supply passageway and the load sensing passageway
Implementation Method 3
The valve member is also biased by a first spring that is located between a first end of the valve member and a first plug disposed at an end port of the inlet chamber
Implementation Method 4
The load check valve is axially biased towards a second end of the valve member by a second spring that is captured between a bearing surface of the load check valve and a second plug located at another end port of the inlet chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A control module for controlling an operation of a hydraulic actuator that is associated with an earthmoving machine includes a body. The body has a spool chamber and a load sensing passageway associated with the spool chamber. The body also has a spool positioned axially, and at least partially, within the spool chamber. The spool is spring-biased by an end cap located at a first end of the body. The body also has a pair of electrohydraulic 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 body 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.