Electrohydraulic Pump Start Current Calibration Using Engine Torque Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating electrohydraulic propel systems, particularly the start current parameters of electrohydraulic pumps, are cumbersome, require additional sensors or skilled technicians, and cannot be easily repeated or automated, leading to inefficiencies and potential performance issues in vehicle propulsion.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses existing load sensors on modern vehicles with electronically-controlled engines to automatically calibrate the start current parameters of electrohydraulic pumps through intelligent software logic, eliminating the need for additional sensors or manual adjustments, and allowing for recalibration at any time without special equipment or skilled technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to provide feedback for pump calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing load sensors on the vehicle as an intermediary to measure engine load changes during pump calibration, replacing the need for dedicated pressure sensors. The load sensor acts as a mediator that indirectly measures pump pressure effects through engine load variations, eliminating the need for additional pressure sensing equipment while maintaining calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system utilizes existing vehicle sensors (load sensors already present on electronically-controlled engines) to perform pump calibration without requiring additional dedicated sensors. The system serves itself by repurposing available sensing infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate pressure measurement equipment and reducing overall system complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If temporary pressure sensors are installed at the end of assembly for calibration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing load sensors already installed on the vehicle for pump calibration, eliminating the need to install temporary pressure sensors during assembly. This self-service approach leverages available sensing infrastructure to perform calibration without adding assembly steps, reducing both time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The load sensors originally designed for other vehicle functions are made multi-functional by also using them for pump calibration. This universal usage of existing sensors eliminates the need for dedicated calibration sensors and the associated installation/removal steps, streamlining the assembly process while maintaining calibration quality
3Ease of operation
If driving calibration is performed on test track or with wheels in air, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time and availability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system uses the vehicle's existing load sensing capabilities and onboard computers to perform automated calibration, eliminating the need for external test facilities, test operators, or special positioning requirements. The vehicle calibrates itself using its own sensors and processing resources, making the process independent of external test infrastructure
4Measurement precision
If manual adjustment by skilled technician is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the load sensor continuously monitors engine load changes during calibration, and the onboard computer automatically adjusts pump parameters based on measured responses. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual technician intervention while maintaining calibration accuracy through automated measurement and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with automated electronic control. The onboard computer electronically controls the pump calibration process and automatically processes sensor data, substituting manual technician operations with automated electronic systems that improve both speed and consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A system for calibrating an electrohydraulic pump using a micro-controller that has software that may command the engine to a speed value and to uncommand the electrohydraulic pump such that a baseline engine load is defined. The software may also, thereafter, command the electrohydraulic pump to ramp up until the electrohydraulic pump goes into stroke thereby increasing the engine load to an amount over the baseline engine load. When this occurs, the software may define a start current value for that direction of the electrohydraulic pump.