Mower Hydraulic Leak Detection with Auto-Raise Cut Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic leak detection systems in grass mowing machines require operators to immediately disable hydraulic circuits, leading to potential turf damage or ignoring leak warnings, which can result in continued hydraulic fluid leakage on the turf.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic leak detection system that includes a vehicle controller, leak detection switch, solenoid valve, and temperature sensor, allowing continued operation of the mowing circuit until cutting units are raised and preventing further lowering, thereby addressing the need to investigate leaks without immediate circuit disablement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the operator is required to immediately disable hydraulic circuits when a leak is detected, then hydraulic fluid leakage onto the turf is reduced, but the operator may ignore the warning or the turf damage risk increases due to abrupt stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically raising the cutting units when a leak is detected, before the operator can respond. This preliminary action prevents hydraulic fluid from leaking onto the turf while allowing the operator to complete the current mowing cycle without abrupt interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on the operational state. If cutting units are already raised, the system allows continued operation; if they are lowered, the system raises them and prevents lowering until the leak is addressed. This dynamic approach balances leak prevention with operational continuity
2Loss of substance
If the hydraulic mow circuit is disabled immediately upon leak detection, then further hydraulic fluid loss is prevented, but turf damage risk increases and operator compliance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system raises the cutting units as a preliminary action when a leak is detected, which stops hydraulic fluid from leaking onto the turf while maintaining hydraulic circuit functionality. This prevents both fluid loss and turf damage by addressing the leak pathway before disabling any circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary state where the cutting units are raised but the hydraulic mow circuit remains enabled. This intermediary state allows the operator to complete the current cycle without immediate circuit disablement, preventing both fluid loss and turf damage while maintaining operator compliance
3Productivity
If the system allows continued operation after leak detection, then operator convenience is maintained, but hydraulic fluid continues to leak onto the turf
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically raises the cutting units as a preliminary action when a leak is detected, which stops hydraulic fluid from leaking onto the turf while allowing the operator to continue mowing. This eliminates the need for operator intervention to prevent leakage while maintaining productivity
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
This system effectively reduces hydraulic fluid leakage onto the turf, preventing costly repairs by allowing operators to complete a mowing cycle before addressing leaks, thus minimizing turf damage.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid valve with a temperature sensor increases the hydraulic fluid level in the sensing chamber if the temperature sensor indicates a hydraulic fluid temperature lower than a calculated reduced temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic leak detection system includes a leak detection switch responsive to a level of hydraulic fluid in a tank used by a hydraulic mowing circuit and a lift and lower circuit of a grass mowing machine. The system includes a controller that activates a warning indicator if the leak detection switch indicates the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank is low, but allows the hydraulic mowing circuit and the lift and lower circuit to continue operating until the lift and lower circuit reaches a fully raised position. A solenoid valve may control the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank based on temperature of the hydraulic fluid.