Hydraulic Timber Grip Control With Regenerative Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timber handling vehicles experience inefficiencies due to energy losses in hydraulic systems, leading to delayed responses and reduced maneuverability of the timber grip, especially when the crane is extended, resulting in 'puncturing' and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a regenerative fluid flow system with a valve that adjusts based on pump feed pressure thresholds, allowing for adaptive power regulation by directing fluid flow between the hydraulic cylinder and the tank, optimizing fluid flow and reducing energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the crane and timber grip are manoeuvred simultaneously, then the timber grip can perform work at the load compartment, but the timber grip response time increases and maneuverability is reduced due to hydraulic pump power limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system dynamically adjusts power distribution between the crane and timber grip based on operational priorities. The control system monitors hydraulic flow demands and automatically reallocates pump capacity to ensure the timber grip receives sufficient power for rapid response when needed, while allowing crane operations to proceed concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the operational state of both the crane and timber grip. When the timber grip requires actuation, the control system detects this demand and adjusts hydraulic flow distribution accordingly, ensuring priority power delivery to the grip while maintaining overall system coordination.
2Length of moving object
If long pipes are used to connect the hydraulic pump to the timber grip at the farthest crane end, then the crane can be extended for greater reach, but energy losses increase and power delivery to the timber grip is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary hydraulic system with local reservoirs and flow control mechanisms positioned along the crane structure. These intermediaries reduce the effective length of hydraulic lines by providing local fluid storage and redistribution points, thereby minimizing energy losses over long distances while maintaining extended crane reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts hydraulic flow parameters including pressure, flow rate, and viscosity compensation based on the extended crane configuration. When the crane is extended, the control system modifies these parameters to compensate for increased line losses, ensuring adequate power delivery to the timber grip despite the longer pipe length.
3Power
If the pump capacity is over dimensioned to minimize energy losses, then sufficient power is available for all consumers, but cost increases and energy losses still occur due to flow limitation strategies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a permanently oversized pump, the system employs dynamic pump capacity adjustment that matches the actual power demands of the crane and timber grip. The pump operates at optimal capacity levels based on real-time operational requirements, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and system complexity while maintaining sufficient power availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes variable displacement pump technology that allows continuous adjustment of pump output parameters including flow rate and pressure. This enables the system to deliver high power when both consumers operate simultaneously while consuming minimal energy during partial operation, eliminating the need for an oversized fixed-capacity pump.
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 responsiveness and efficiency of the timber grip, allowing for smoother transitions between operating modes and reducing energy consumption, thereby improving the operator's ability to handle timber more effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a third pipe, which results in a regenerative fluid flow from the minus side to the plus side of the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a valve means, which is arranged to the second pipe, and which valve means is configured to; receive a pressure indication that indicates a pump feed pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a timber handling vehicle (1) and a timber grip, wherein said timber handling vehicle includes a load compartment (2), a crane (3) a timber grip (4), a hydraulic cylinder (4c), a hydraulic system (11, 12), a pump (15), a tank (16), a control valve (18) with which a fluid flow set under a pump feed pressure (P) is directed to a plus side (15:1) via a first pipe (15A) respectively a minus side (15:2) via a second pipe (15B). For efficient timber handling, the hydraulic system (11, 12) includes a third pipe (15C), which results in a regenerative fluid flow from the minus side (15:2) to the plus side (15:1) of the hydraulic cylinder (4c), a valve means (21) in the second pipe (15B), which valve means (21) is configured to; drive in a first operating condition, where the valve means (21) is closed and fluid flow from the minus side (15:2) to the plus side (15:1) of the hydraulic cylinder is directed via said third pipe (15C), receive a pressure indication that indicates a pump feed pressure (P) on the plus side (15:1) of the hydraulic cylinder (4c), determine whether the pump feed pressure (P) exceeds a first operating condition threshold value (Z1) and, if so, drive in a second operating condition, where the valve means (21) is open, and fluid flow from the minus side (15:2) of the hydraulic cylinder (4c) is directed to the tank (16).