Swing-Travel Hydraulic Circuit Layout for Independent Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems in machines like excavators face inefficiencies due to the need to operate at the maximum pressure demanded by the highest actuator, leading to overdrive and inefficient pump design when multiple functions are used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A swing-travel hydraulic system with separate closed-loop circuits for swing and travel functions, allowing independent control and pressure management, and an open-loop circuit for implement functions, enabling efficient pump design and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an open loop hydraulic circuit is used to drive multiple actuators (travel motors, implement motors, and swing motors), then the system can operate all functions simultaneously, but the system pressure must be set by the actuator requiring the highest pressure, resulting in inefficiencies and overdrive during multi-function operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydraulic system into separate closed-loop circuits for swing motors and open-loop circuits for travel and implement motors. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate independently at its own optimal pressure, eliminating the inefficiency of forcing all actuators to operate at the highest pressure required by any single actuator.
2Ease of operation
If the system pressure is set by the actuator requiring the highest pressure, then all actuators can be driven simultaneously, but this results in overdrive and inefficiencies when not all actuators are operating at maximum pressure
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hydraulic system into separate circuits, each circuit can be operated at the precise pressure needed for its specific function, eliminating wasted power from overdrive conditions while maintaining the ability to operate multiple actuators simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from a system-wide fixed value to a circuit-specific variable value. Each closed-loop circuit can independently adjust its pressure parameter to match the actual demands of the actuators it serves, optimizing power efficiency.
3Reliability
If swing motors are driven by pumps in a closed loop hydraulic circuit, then swing operation can be achieved, but the system complexity increases compared to open loop circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating a dedicated closed-loop circuit specifically for swing motors, separating it from the open-loop circuits used for travel and implement motors. This targeted application of closed-loop control only where needed (for swing) minimizes overall system complexity while achieving the reliability benefits where required.
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 enhances flexibility and efficiency by allowing independent pressure control, reducing overdrive issues, and optimizing pump design for specific functions, thereby improving machine performance and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a swing-travel pump arrangement; a swing motor arrangement operably mounted to the swing system for rotating the main body; a travel motor arrangement operably mounted to the travel system for driving the machine
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed towards a machine requiring separate control of a swing function, travel function and implements. The machine comprises a swing-travel hydraulic system for controlling swing and travel motor arrangements in closed loop circuits with a swing-travel pump arrangement. The machine may further comprise a separate implement hydraulic system operating an implement motor arrangement in an open loop circuit.