Hydraulically Coupled Multi-Variator Actuator Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrostatic transmissions face challenges in scaling up due to limited operating speed capabilities and efficiency issues in larger hydraulic pumps and motors, particularly when using multiple variators in parallel, which require matching power flows to avoid inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system with hydraulically coupled multi-variator actuation, where each variator includes a hydraulic pump and motor, with actuators linked via a hydraulic link and a controller-regulated valve to synchronize displacement and maintain equal pump loop pressures, ensuring coordinated operation and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If larger displacement hydraulic pumps and motors are used to scale up the system, then the system can handle larger machine sizes, but the operating speed capabilities become much more limited and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power transmission function into multiple smaller variators operating in parallel. Each variator uses smaller hydraulic pumps and motors that maintain high operating speed capabilities while collectively handling the total power requirement of the large machine, thus avoiding the speed limitations of single large displacement components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two or more variators are included operating in parallel, then the scalability issue is addressed, but the variators must perform the same function which causes inefficiencies if there is a mismatch in power flows
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where sensors monitor the power flow and pressure in each variator's hydraulic circuit. This information is fed to a control system that adjusts the displacement of each hydraulic pump individually, ensuring that all variators operate in synchronized fashion with matched power flows, thereby eliminating energy inefficiencies while maintaining scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable displacement hydraulic pumps with dynamically adjustable displacement. This allows each pump's displacement to be continuously adjusted in real-time to match the power flow requirements, enabling the parallel variators to adapt their individual contributions dynamically and maintain optimal efficiency under varying operating conditions.
3Power
If larger-sized actuators are used to control larger pumps and motors, then the power handling capability increases, but larger control valves are required and system design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple smaller actuators, each controlling a individual hydraulic pump in the parallel variator configuration. Each actuator and its associated control valve are sized appropriately for the smaller pump it controls, avoiding the need for oversized components while reducing overall system complexity compared to controlling a single large pump.
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 approach allows for efficient operation of multiple variators in parallel by ensuring synchronized displacement and equal pump loop pressures, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of hydrostatic transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic link connecting the actuators together. The actuators may be hydraulically coupled through the hydraulic link such that the actuators operate in a synchronized fashion
Implementation Method 2
a valve disposed in fluid communication with the hydraulic link connecting the actuators together; and a controller connected to the valve and configured to control an operation of the valve to regulate hydraulic flow in the hydraulic link
Data Source
AI summary
A system for hydraulically coupled multi-variator actuation is disclosed. One system includes: a first hydraulic variator comprising: a first hydraulic pump; and a first hydraulic motor linked to the first hydraulic pump. The system may further include a second hydraulic variator comprising: a second hydraulic pump; and a second hydraulic motor linked to the second hydraulic pump. The system may further include a first actuator linked to the first hydraulic pump and configured to control a displacement of the first hydraulic pump; a second actuator linked to the second hydraulic pump and configured to control a displacement of the second hydraulic pump; a hydraulic link connecting the first actuator and the second actuator, the hydraulic link configured to facilitate a coordinated operation of the first actuator and the second actuator; a valve disposed in fluid communication with the hydraulic link connecting the first actuator and the second actuator; and a controller connected to the valve and configured to control an operation of the valve to regulate hydraulic flow in the hydraulic link.