Tractor Hydraulic Feedback Conversion for Faster Implement Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic arrangements between agricultural towing vehicles and attachments lack efficient control mechanisms, leading to potential failures and inefficiencies due to reliance on conventional hydraulic controls, which are prone to errors and slow reaction times.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic arrangement that incorporates a hydraulic-electrical conversion system, utilizing a pressure sensor to generate an electrical feedback signal, allowing for electronic control of the hydraulic system, reducing the need for conventional hydraulic controls and enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydraulic power delivery to attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional hydraulic control system is used, then the hydraulic coupling structure is simple, but the system is prone to failures and has slow response times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical hydraulic control system with an electronic control system. A sensor detects hydraulic parameters (pressure, flow rate) and converts them into electrical signals. These signals are processed by an electronic control unit that can rapidly respond and adjust pump operation, replacing slow mechanical feedback mechanisms with fast electronic control for improved reliability and response time.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements an electronic feedback system where sensors continuously monitor hydraulic parameters and send electrical signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback information and adjusts pump operation in real-time, enabling faster and more reliable control compared to conventional open-loop hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If conventional hydraulic controls are used, then the system structure is simple, but the response time is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical control components with electronic sensors and control units. The sensor-electronics-control chain responds significantly faster than mechanical hydraulic feedback, enabling rapid adjustment of pump delivery flow and pressure to match attachment requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic electronic control that can rapidly adjust system parameters based on real-time sensor feedback. The electronic control unit can change pump operation parameters instantaneously, providing dynamic response capability that far exceeds static or slowly-responsive mechanical control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If electronic control is implemented, then the response time is faster, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic power delivery efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the electronic control unit to perform multiple functions: processing sensor signals, calculating optimal pump parameters, controlling pump operation, and monitoring system status. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving faster response and improved productivity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the sensor and the pump. This intermediary processes information and coordinates control actions, enabling sophisticated control strategies while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies the hydraulic coupling, reduces the likelihood of failures, enables faster response times, and improves the efficiency of hydraulic power delivery, resulting in lower labor costs and increased vehicle efficiency by allowing precise control of pressure and flow without unnecessary power losses.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic-electrical conversion of the feedback pressure into the feedback signal takes place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic-electrical conversion: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4420500A1Hydraulic arrangement for supplying an implement with hydraulic power
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 DEERE & CO
  • EP4420500A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4420500A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4420500A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydraulic arrangement (10) for supplying an implement (12) with hydraulic power (p_a) from an agricultural tractor (26). A hydraulic working port (16) serves to convey a pumped hydraulic fluid. A pressure port (18) is hydraulically connected to the working port (16) for delivering hydraulic power (p_a) to the implement (12). A hydraulic feedback port (20) serves to receive a hydraulic feedback pressure (p_r) from the implement (12). A signal port (22) outputs a feedback signal (s_r) depending on the hydraulic feedback pressure (p_r). A hydraulic-electrical conversion of the feedback pressure (p_r) into the feedback signal (s_r) is provided between the hydraulic feedback port (20) and the signal port (22).