Networked Hydraulic Units for Climbing Formwork Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic arrangements for climbing formwork require large space due to long hydraulic lines and high pressure losses, leading to inefficient movement of climbing units and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A networked hydraulic arrangement where multiple hydraulic units are connected via a data connection, such as a BUS system, to efficiently control and synchronize the movement of several hydraulic cylinders, reducing pressure losses and pendulum volumes by shortening hydraulic lines and allowing for master-slave operation of control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large hydraulic unit supplies all hydraulic cylinders via a long ring line, then synchronous movement of climbing units is achieved, but pressure losses increase significantly (approximately 1 bar per meter) and the hydraulic unit requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple independent hydraulic units, each supplying a limited number of hydraulic cylinders (maximum three, preferably one or two). This segmentation reduces the length of hydraulic lines from each unit, thereby minimizing pressure losses while maintaining synchronous movement capability through data connection between control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hydraulic distribution system (single large hydraulic unit with long ring lines) with a networked system where multiple smaller hydraulic units communicate via data connections. This substitution allows coordinated control without requiring long hydraulic lines, reducing pressure losses.
2Loss of energy
If the ring line has a large inner diameter to minimize pressure losses, then pressure losses are reduced, but the total pendulum volume increases significantly requiring a larger hydraulic unit
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hydraulic system into multiple smaller units, each with short hydraulic lines to a limited number of cylinders, the total pendulum volume is reduced. Each unit requires smaller pendulum volume, and the sum of multiple small units is less than one large unit with long ring lines.
3Loss of energy
If multiple hydraulic units are used with short hydraulic lines, then pressure losses and pendulum volumes are reduced, but the system complexity increases due to multiple control units
Solution Approach 1:
Control units are data-connected to exchange information about the position and movement status of hydraulic cylinders. This feedback mechanism enables automatic coordination between multiple hydraulic units, allowing them to operate as a unified system without requiring complex manual control arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each hydraulic unit is designed with universal functionality to control up to three hydraulic cylinders, with preferred configurations for one or two cylinders. This standardization reduces overall system complexity by using identical or similar control units throughout the system.
4Reliability
If climbing units are moved simultaneously to avoid edges requiring complex securing, then safety is improved, but the hydraulic system requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into multiple smaller hydraulic units distributed throughout the climbing formwork, each serving a local group of hydraulic cylinders. This segmentation reduces the space required for each individual hydraulic unit while maintaining the capability for simultaneous movement of all climbing units through data-connected control.
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 solution enables simultaneous and uniform raising/lowering of multiple hydraulic cylinders with reduced space requirements and pressure losses, enhancing the efficiency and performance of the hydraulic system while maintaining high precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The climbing formwork comprises several climbing units that are moved up and/or down by hydraulic cylinders
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hydraulic arrangement (24). The hydraulic arrangement (24) has multiple hydraulic units (20a, 20b), the control units (26a, 26b) of which are connected, in particular in series, via a data connection (28). The control units (26a, 26b) are preferably designed to control selectively only hydraulic cylinders (16a-16d) directly associated with said units, or also indirectly control, via the data connection (28) and the control unit (26a, 26b) of an additional hydraulic unit (20a, 20b), the hydraulic cylinders (16a-16d) associated with said additional hydraulic unit (20a, 20b). The invention also relates to a climbing formwork (22) having at least one climbing unit (10), in particular multiple climbing units (10). The hydraulic units (20a, 20b) can be linked via the data connection (28) such that synchronous lifting and/or lowering of all climbing units (10) can be or is achieved. The hydraulic units (20a, 20b) are preferably connected in a master-slave arrangement or are preferably controlled in a master-slave mode. Also preferably, the hydraulic units (20a, 20b) are designed to switch from the master-slave mode to the stand-alone mode.