Selectable Hydraulic Flow Control Circuit for Power Machine Implement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic systems in power machines often prioritize primary functions over secondary functions, resulting in insufficient hydraulic fluid supply to secondary functions, leading to suboptimal operation and increased heat due to inefficient fluid diversion and return processes.

Innovation Solution

A selectable hydraulic flow control circuit that manages hydraulic fluid flow through multiple conduits to optimize fluid distribution between primary and secondary functions, allowing for different modes of operation to ensure efficient power delivery and reduce heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If hydraulic fluid is diverted from the primary function to supply secondary functions, then secondary functions receive more hydraulic fluid, but the primary function operates at a less than peak level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic fluid supply to secondary functionsVSAvoidprimary function power output

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system dynamically reconfigures flow paths based on operational mode. A control valve directs hydraulic fluid either through the primary function motor or through secondary function actuators, allowing the system to adapt between prioritizing primary function power or enabling secondary function operation without permanent flow restrictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic circuit is designed to serve multiple functions through a single fluid supply line. The same hydraulic pump supplies fluid that can be directed to either primary or secondary functions based on operational needs, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic systems for each function type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic fluid is diverted from the primary function, then secondary functions can operate, but the primary function is not optimally supplied with hydraulic fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecondary function operation capabilityVSAvoidprimary function performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamically controllable valve to switch between operational modes. When secondary functions are needed, the valve redirects flow; when primary function performance is prioritized, the valve restores full flow to the primary motor, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on immediate operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If hydraulic fluid is returned to tank after passing through secondary functions, then secondary functions receive adequate fluid flow, but unwanted heat is created in the hydraulic system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic fluid flow to secondary devicesVSAvoidhydraulic system heat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts what would be wasted hydraulic fluid (which would otherwise be dumped to tank creating heat) into useful work by directing it through secondary function actuators. The fluid that isn't needed for primary function power is productively employed to move or position implement components, transforming potential waste into beneficial action while avoiding heat generation from unrestricted fluid return

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Quantity of substance

If a large amount of hydraulic fluid is provided to the implement when only secondary functions are active, then secondary functions can operate, but the remainder of hydraulic fluid is merely returned to tank creating heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic fluid supply to implementVSAvoidhydraulic energy wasted as heat

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary amount of hydraulic fluid needed for secondary function operation and directs it appropriately, while the control valve configuration ensures that excess fluid doesn't simply return to tank. Instead, the fluid path is managed to either utilize the fluid for secondary functions or efficiently route it back to the pump inlet, extracting maximum useful work from the available hydraulic power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 optimal performance of both primary and secondary functions by ensuring sufficient hydraulic fluid supply to secondary functions, reducing heat and improving efficiency by altering fluid flow directions and paths based on operational modes.

Implementation Method 1

a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to an implement... hydraulic fluid is provided to the implement through a first conduit... hydraulic fluid enters through the first conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9127695B2Selectable hydraulic flow control circuit

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 DOOSAN BOBCAT NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments of power machines, implements and hydraulic systems utilize a hydraulic flow control circuit and method to implement multiple modes of operation while optimizing hydraulic fluid flow to either or both of primary and secondary function devices.