Work Vehicle Hydraulic Drive Layout With Split Wheel and Actuator Circuits

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems for compact hydraulic work vehicles, such as articulated loaders, are sub-optimal and require complex and expensive hydraulic control mechanisms, and there is a need for a simpler and more cost-effective solution that separates wheel drive from actuator operation.

Innovation Solution

A drive system with two distinct hydraulic circuits: one for wheel drive using a first electric motor and hydraulic pump directly coupled to two-way rotors, and another for actuator operation using a second electric motor and hydraulic pump, allowing direct control of wheel rotation and actuator movement independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex hydraulic control mechanism is used to control wheel drive and actuators, then the work vehicle can operate reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidhydraulic control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is divided into two separate circuits: a first hydraulic circuit dedicated to wheel drive and a second hydraulic circuit dedicated to actuator operation. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex control mechanisms by assigning specific functions to dedicated circuits, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second hydraulic circuit serves multiple functions: it operates all hydraulic actuators and simultaneously controls the filling pressure in the first hydraulic circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single hydraulic circuit is used for both wheel drive and actuator operation, then the system construction is simpler, but the control precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic circuit constructionVSAvoidcontrol reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is divided into two separate circuits: a first hydraulic circuit dedicated to wheel drive and a second hydraulic circuit dedicated to actuator operation. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex control mechanisms by assigning specific functions to dedicated circuits, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If hydraulic control mechanisms are used for wheel drive control, then the control precision is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel control precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hydraulic control mechanisms with direct electric motor control for the wheel drive system. The first electric motor is directly coupled to the first hydraulic pump, eliminating the need for intermediate hydraulic control mechanisms while maintaining precise control through electronic regulation of motor speed and torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If the first hydraulic pump is directly connected to the two-way rotor, then the wheel drive efficiency is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to pressure fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel drive efficiencyVSAvoidpressure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second hydraulic circuit serves multiple functions: it operates all hydraulic actuators and simultaneously controls the filling pressure in the first hydraulic circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system simplifies control, reduces costs, and enhances reliability by eliminating complex hydraulic control mechanisms, while maintaining robustness and flexibility, and allows for modular construction with either combustion or electric power options.

Implementation Method 1

a first electric motor which is mechanically coupled to a first hydraulic pump which forms part of a first hydraulic circuit for driving the at least one wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic transmission: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a second electric motor which is mechanically coupled to a second hydraulic pump which forms part of a second hydraulic circuit, wherein the second hydraulic circuit is coupled to the first circuit in order to control a hydraulic filling pressure in the first circuit via the second hydraulic circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure control: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3985181B1Drive system for a work vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 GEBR GEENS NV
  • EP3985181B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3985181B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3985181B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Drive system for a work vehicle with at least two driven wheels (4) and at least one hydraulic actuator (7, 21, 26), wherein the drive system comprises a first electric motor (1A) which is mechanically coupled to a first hydraulic pump (2) for the purpose of driving the at least two wheels, and wherein the drive system comprises a second electric motor (1B) which is mechanically coupled to a second hydraulic pump (5) for the purpose of driving the at least one hydraulic actuator, wherein the first hydraulic pump is a two-way pump which is connected directly to two-way rotors at the wheels so that a rotation of the two-way pump is proportionally transferred to the wheels, and wherein the first electric motor is provided with a controller for controlling the electric motor on the basis of a first input which relates to a desired displacement of the work vehicle.