Electrohydraulic Steering for Soil Compactors With Adaptive Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil processing machines, such as compactors, require high energy consumption due to the use of diesel internal combustion engines for hydraulic systems, limiting energy efficiency and flexibility in operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electrohydraulic steering system with an electric motor-driven steering pressurized fluid pump and a hydraulic steering system that adjusts energy use based on steering demands, allowing for energy-efficient operation and quick adaptation to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a diesel internal combustion engine is used to drive hydraulic pumps for steering, then sufficient power and mechanical feedback are provided, but energy consumption is high and adaptability to changing operational needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electric motor's operating state variable and adaptive. The control unit continuously adjusts the electric motor's speed and power output based on real-time steering information from sensors and current operational requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to consume only the energy needed at each moment, rather than operating at constant high power like a diesel engine, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of motor speed from a fixed state to a variable state. By using a control unit to continuously adjust the electric motor's rotational speed based on steering angle, steering rate, and operational conditions, the system achieves high adaptability while minimizing energy consumption. The electric motor can operate at optimal efficiency points across a range of speeds, unlike a diesel engine that must maintain higher baseline power output.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an electric motor is used to drive the steering pressurized fluid pump, then energy efficiency and adaptability are improved, but mechanical feedback and overload resistance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the electric motor system to perform multiple roles: it provides steering power, generates mechanical feedback through the hydraulic system, and offers overload protection. The electrohydraulic steering system maintains the hydraulic fluid pressure and flow characteristics that provide natural mechanical feedback to the steering wheel, while the control unit monitors and protects against overload conditions, combining the advantages of both electric and hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect steering wheel position, steering angle, and steering rate, then feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts the electric motor's output accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism restores the mechanical feedback sensation lost in purely electric steering systems and enables intelligent response to operational conditions, thereby maintaining reliability while using an electric motor.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electric motor speed is continuously adjusted based on steering information, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical speed adjustment mechanisms with electronic control. Instead of using mechanical variable displacement pumps or complex hydraulic control valves to adjust power delivery, the system uses an electric motor controlled by an electronic control unit. This substitution simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling precise, programmable speed adjustment based on steering information, reducing energy consumption without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 system reduces energy consumption and maintains operational flexibility by adapting hydraulic steering system energy use to steering demands, providing efficient and responsive operation with reduced noise emissions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrohydraulic pressurized fluid source with at least one steering pressurized fluid pump that can be driven by at least one electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic steering system with at least one steering element actuated with pressurized fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A soil processing machine, in particular a soil compactor, includes a hydraulic steering system with at least one steering element actuated with pressurized fluid and an electrohydraulic pressurized fluid source with at least one steering pressurized fluid pump that can be driven by at least one electric motor for feeding pressurized fluid into a steering pressurized fluid circuit.