Progressive Distributor for Synchronous Hydraulic Cylinder Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic actuating devices for agricultural applications face challenges in achieving cost-effective and precise synchronous actuation of multiple hydraulic cylinders, particularly for small adjustment movements, due to leakage inaccuracies in flow dividers and the need for different cylinder sizes in master-slave circuits.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic actuating device utilizing a progressive distributor with a sequential circuit and check valves, allowing for the synchronized control of multiple hydraulic cylinders through small incremental fluid distribution, enabling precise adjustment and reversal of cylinder strokes, and accommodating different piston diameters with adjustable end stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If flow dividers are used to supply hydraulic cylinders with equal amounts of fluid flow, then synchronous actuation is achieved, but leakage inaccuracy occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A progressive distributor is introduced as an intermediary device between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinders. This distributor sequentially distributes hydraulic fluid to multiple cylinders in a controlled manner, eliminating the leakage inaccuracy problems associated with traditional flow dividers while maintaining synchronous actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuation process is segmented into sequential steps through the progressive distributor. Each cylinder receives fluid in a predetermined sequence rather than simultaneously, which allows for precise control of fluid distribution and eliminates the synchronization errors caused by leakage in traditional parallel flow division systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If a gear flow divider is used to counteract leakage inaccuracy, then synchronous actuation precision is improved, but device cost increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a progressive distributor that can be manufactured more economically than precision gear flow dividers. While the distributor pistons are consumable components that wear over time, the overall system cost is reduced compared to expensive precision gear mechanisms, achieving a cost-effective balance between precision and affordability.
Solution Approach 2:
The progressive distributor uses simple, replicated piston components rather than complex precision-machined gear mechanisms. Multiple identical distributor pistons are used instead of a single complex gear assembly, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional precision for synchronous actuation.
3Manufacturing precision
If master-slave circuits with different cylinder sizes are used, then synchronous movement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The progressive distributor enables a single standardized cylinder design to be used for all positions in the hydraulic system. The distributor handles the complexity of coordinating multiple cylinders rather than requiring different cylinder sizes, making the system more universal and easier to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The progressive distributor acts as an intermediary that coordinates the actuation of multiple identical cylinders. Instead of using differently sized cylinders to achieve synchronous movement, the distributor sequentially distributes fluid to standard-sized cylinders, eliminating the need for multiple cylinder specifications and reducing system complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If progressive distributor with sequential circuit is used, then small adjustment movements are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The progressive distributor employs periodic, sequential action where each piston activates in turn rather than simultaneously. This periodic distribution of hydraulic fluid to cylinders in sequence enables precise small adjustment movements while using simple, repetitive mechanical components rather than complex continuous control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequential circuit is segmented into independent, identical piston stages. Each piston performs the same function in a predetermined sequence, allowing the complexity to be distributed across multiple simple, replicated components rather than concentrated in a single complex control mechanism.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and accurate method for parallel and semi-synchronous actuation of hydraulic cylinders, ensuring precise synchronization and automatic end position adjustment, even under varying loads, with the ability to connect multiple cylinders for extensive applications.
Implementation Method 1
A tractor pulling the device provides the hydraulic pressure medium supply for the device
Implementation Method 2
The volume of fluid displaced on the piston ring side actuates a second hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 3
Slide valves, which are arranged on the tractor or device side, direct the fluid flow from the pressure medium supply into the individual hydraulic cylinders or back
Implementation Method 4
If the piston crown side surface of the second cylinder corresponds to the piston ring side surface of the first cylinder, the cylinders move in synchronization
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a hydraulic control device for an agricultural implement; a progressive distribution mechanism is used to achieve a positive displacement, preferably a uniform movement of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders.