Switching Valve Block Layout for Fast Hydraulic Pressure Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydraulically actuated work machines, the need for a common hydraulic fluid pump to provide the highest pressure demanded by multiple consumers results in inefficient operation due to excessive fluid supply to consumers that do not require high pressure, leading to increased response time and reduced efficiency, and existing solutions complicate the distribution of oil delivery rates, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A switching valve block with fixed fluid connections between valve block inputs and outputs allows for selective fluid distribution based on consumer requirements, enabling immediate oil delivery to hydraulic consumers without the need for constant pressure adjustments, thereby reducing switching times and improving response behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common hydraulic fluid pump provides the highest pressure demanded by all hydraulic consumers, then all consumers can receive sufficient pressure, but fluid is supplied at excessively high pressure to consumers that do not require it, leading to energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydraulic system into multiple independent pressure sources (first pressure source and second pressure source) instead of using a single common pump. Each pressure source can be independently controlled to match the actual pressure requirements of different hydraulic consumers, thereby avoiding energy losses from over-pressurization while ensuring reliable pressure supply to all consumers.
2Loss of energy
If individual smaller pressure sources are combined via a switching valve block to meet different power requirements, then energy efficiency improves, but the response time on start-up of hydraulic consumers increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing fixed fluid connections between the first valve block output and the second valve block input, and between the second valve block output and the third valve block input. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for valve switching during start-up, allowing hydraulic consumers to receive pressure immediately without the delay of valve actuation, thus reducing response time while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the distribution of oil delivery rate to different hydraulic consumers is continuously changed during machine operation, then operator comfort improves, but very complex algorithms and fast switching valve technology are required, increasing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the vehicle control to dynamically select between different regulation modes (load sensing regulation or direct fluid delivery rate specification) and to switch between different pressure sources based on real-time operational requirements. The system adapts its configuration dynamically without requiring complex valve switching algorithms, as the fixed connections and mode selection provide a simplified control architecture that maintains operator comfort while reducing system 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
This solution enhances the operating efficiency and comfort of work machines by ensuring immediate oil delivery to hydraulic consumers, reducing valve switching demands, and maintaining high operator comfort while adapting fluid pressure to specific machine functions, thus improving overall system availability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pressure sources (31-38), in particular a plurality of hydraulic fluid pumps, by which a fluid amount can be provided in different manners in dependence on requirements
Implementation Method 2
for example by load sensing (LS) regulation mode in dependence on a consumer specification or also by a direct fluid delivery rate specification
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a switching valve block for a hydraulically actuable work machine that comprises a plurality of valve block inputs for a respective connection to a pressure output of one or more hydraulic fluid pumps, a plurality of valve block outputs for outputting a pressurized hydraulic fluid, and at least one valve that is arranged between valve block inputs and valve block outputs and is adapted to selectively produce a fluid connection between a first valve block input and a first valve block output or between a first valve block input and a second valve block output. The invention is characterized in that the first valve block output furthermore already has a fixed fluid connection to a second valve block input.