Hydraulic Traction Pressure Control Under Work Machine Power Overload

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile work machines often face power overload issues due to a single power plant being unable to handle simultaneous demands of traction and work attachments, leading to increased costs and system complexity in existing power allocation systems.

Innovation Solution

A mobile work machine with a traction system and work attachment, equipped with a power reduction device and electronic controller that dynamically adjusts hydraulic fluid pressure to the traction system, optimizing power distribution without actual traction speed feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single power plant is used to power multiple work functions (traction and work attachment), then the work machine can be more compact and cost-effective, but the power plant may be overloaded when total load exceeds capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower plant configurationVSAvoidpower plant capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation by continuously adjusting the power distribution ratio between traction and work attachment based on real-time operating conditions. The control system monitors engine load, traction demand, and work attachment requirements to dynamically reallocate power, preventing overload while maximizing utility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the power distribution ratio as a variable parameter. When the power plant approaches capacity limits, the control system modifies the power allocation parameters to prioritize critical functions, ensuring reliable operation under varying load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If control systems are implemented to allocate power under overload conditions, then power distribution can be optimized, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower allocation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically monitors engine load and traction requirements, self-adjusting power allocation without external intervention. The system uses built-in sensors and control algorithms to autonomously manage power distribution, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs multiple functions using a unified approach: it monitors engine load, calculates optimal power distribution, adjusts hydraulic pressure, and coordinates traction and work attachment operations. This multi-functional control strategy reduces overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated control systems for each function.

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

3Reliability

If power is reduced to one or both traction system and work attachment to prevent overload, then power plant capacity is preserved, but work output decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower plant operationVSAvoidwork output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power distribution in real-time based on actual operating conditions. When the power plant approaches capacity, the control system proactively reallocates power to prevent overload, ensuring continuous operation at optimal levels rather than reducing output after overload occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system takes preliminary action by monitoring engine load and traction demand continuously, adjusting power allocation before overload conditions develop. This proactive approach maintains work output by preventing power constraints from limiting performance in the first place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Minimizes engine stalling and maximizes work output by efficiently distributing power across multiple work scenarios, reducing system complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic pump driven by the prime mover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic motor for driving the ground engagement assembly, the hydraulic motor being powered by the hydraulic pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic motor: Turbine

Data Source

PatentUS20260002340A1Work machine with power optimization
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 THE TORO COMPANY
  • US20260002340A1 patent drawing
  • US20260002340A1 patent drawing
  • US20260002340A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile work machine is provided with a prime mover supported by a chassis, a first hydraulic pump driven by the prime mover, a work attachment powered by the prime mover, and a traction system. The traction system can include a ground engagement assembly for propelling the chassis. The mobile work machine can include an electronic controller configured to execute a traction speed control algorithm in which the position of the power reduction device is operated by the electronic controller to reduce available fluid pressure to a traction control device without receiving an actual traction speed feedback signal at the electronic controller. Alternatively, or in addition, a commanded position of the power reduction control device can be calculated by the electronic controller as a function of a requested prime mover operating speed demand reduced by a calculated adjustment factor.