Hydraulic Pump Suction-Side Venting for Automatic Start-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetically commutated hydraulic fluid working machines face start-up difficulties due to air presence in the fluid inlet channel and pumping chamber, especially in open loop hydraulic circuits where the fluid reservoir is lower than the pump, leading to incomplete filling and delayed or manual initiation of pumping.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a venting device connected to the fluid intake system that actively or passively removes air from the fluid conduit and working chamber, allowing the machine to start automatically without manual intervention by ensuring sufficient fluid filling and reducing gas content to enable pumping behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fluid reservoir is positioned below the fluid inlet channel in an open loop hydraulic circuit, then the system structure is simplified and gravity assists fluid return, but air enters the inlet conduit and pumping chamber causing start-up difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet conduit is segmented into a main flow path and a venting path. The venting path includes a venting device with a venting channel that branches off from the inlet conduit, allowing air to be separated and removed from the main fluid flow path while maintaining the simplified reservoir positioning
Solution Approach 2:
A venting device acts as an intermediary component between the inlet conduit and the environment. It provides a controlled path for air removal through the venting channel, mediating between the need for air venting and the simplified system structure achieved by low reservoir positioning
2Quantity of substance
If manual filling of the crankcase is performed to remove air, then air content is reduced, but manual intervention is required and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The venting device enables the system to self-vent air automatically during normal operation. The pump creates a pressure differential that drives air through the venting channel without manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself by removing air during the pumping cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The venting channel is pre-configured to allow air to escape before the pumping chamber becomes fully pressurized. This preliminary air removal action prevents air trapping and ensures smooth start-up without requiring manual filling operations
3Use of energy by moving object
If the inlet valve remains open to push fluid back into the inlet conduit, then energy consumption is reduced, but air is not removed and pumping cannot commence
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is segmented from the main pumping function. The venting channel provides a separate path for air removal that operates independently from the inlet valve timing, allowing energy-efficient operation once pumping is established while ensuring reliable start-up through continuous air venting
Solution Approach 2:
Air removal is performed as a preliminary action through the venting channel before full pumping operation commences. This preliminary venting ensures the pumping chamber is ready for efficient operation, after which the energy-saving mode of pushing fluid back into the inlet conduit can be maintained
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 venting device enables the synthetically commutated hydraulic fluid working machine to initiate operation autonomously, even under adverse conditions, by reducing air content to a level that allows the machine to commence pumping, with potential residual gas being further reduced through normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
During the intake cycle, when fluid is sucked into a pumping chamber of cyclically varying volume, the actuated valve is usually passively opened due to the pressure difference that develops between the fluid inlet channel and the interior of the pumping chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of venting a synthetically commutated hydraulic pump (2). The connecting fluid conduits (8, 16), connecting said synthetically commutated hydraulic pump (2) with a fluid reservoir (7) is vented at least on start-up of the synthetically commutated hydraulic pump (2), using a fluid intake device (14, 17, 20) that connects to a fixed displacement pump (3).