Tractor Hydraulic Supply Priority Using Proportional Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load-controlled hydraulic systems in agricultural tractors require complex hydraulic logic control units and extensive structural space due to valve subassemblies and hydraulic connection lines, leading to potential function impairments and inefficiencies in hydraulic consumer prioritization.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic pump with adjustable displacement volume, controlled by an electrically actuatable proportional valve and a control unit, prioritizes primary hydraulic consumers by selectively throttling secondary consumers when power requirements exceed the pump's capacity, using software-based logic to minimize hardware complexity and spatial requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic logic control unit with valve subassemblies and hydraulic connection lines is used to prioritize hydraulic consumers, then the supply priority compliance is achieved, but the technical complexity and structural spatial requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical hydraulic logic control system with an electronically controlled system. The control unit (electronic controller) receives signals from pressure sensors and actuators the proportional valve based on load pressure requirements, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic logic control units and valve subassemblies. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control reduces technical complexity while maintaining supply priority compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic consumers. This control unit processes pressure sensor signals and actuates proportional valves to regulate hydraulic flow distribution. The intermediary electronic control system simplifies the overall architecture by centralizing control logic, replacing distributed hydraulic logic with a unified electronic control approach.
2Reliability
If a hydraulic logic control unit with valve subassemblies and hydraulic connection lines is used to prioritize hydraulic consumers, then the supply priority compliance is achieved, but the structural spatial requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic logic control system with an electronically controlled system. The control unit (electronic controller) receives signals from pressure sensors and actuators the proportional valve based on load pressure requirements, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic logic control units and valve subassemblies. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control reduces technical complexity while maintaining supply priority compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions previously distributed across multiple hydraulic valve subassemblies into a single integrated electronic control unit. The control unit consolidates the logic for prioritizing primary and secondary hydraulic consumers, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic connection lines and multiple valve subassemblies. This merging reduces the structural spatial requirement by consolidating control elements.
3Device complexity
If the hydraulic pump's conveying capacity is limited and used for multiple hydraulic consumers, then the system is simplified, but the ability to meet power requirements of all consumers simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the hydraulic pump system through proportional valves that can adjust flow distribution in real-time. The control unit continuously monitors pressure sensor signals and dynamically actuates the proportional valve to prioritize flow to primary hydraulic consumers when power requirements exceed the pump's conveying capacity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying power demands without increasing the pump's base conveying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the hydraulic system by using proportional valves to vary flow distribution ratios between primary and secondary hydraulic consumers. The control unit adjusts the opening degree of the proportional valve based on pressure sensor signals, dynamically changing the flow parameters to ensure primary consumers receive adequate power while allowing secondary consumers to receive reduced flow when necessary. This parameter adjustment resolves the power limitation issue without increasing the pump's physical conveying capacity.
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 approach ensures efficient hydraulic supply to critical functions while minimizing energy waste and avoiding function impairments, with a compact design that adapts to load demands and prevents pressure-related damage.
Implementation Method 1
the proportional valve is moved by a control unit into a closed valve position when the control unit recognizes that the required power of the hydraulic consumers exceeds the conveying capacity of the hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pump, which is adjustable with respect to the displacement volume thereof, for supplying a hydraulic consumer with pressurized hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for operating a load-controlled hydraulic supply of an agricultural tractor includes a hydraulic pump which is adjustable with respect to the displacement volume for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid, a proportional valve which is electrically actuatable, a primary hydraulic consumer to carry out a superordinate hydraulic function and to be directly connected to a conveying outlet of the hydraulic pump, a secondary hydraulic consumer to carry out a subordinate hydraulic function and to be connected to the conveying outlet of the hydraulic pump via the proportional valve, and a control unit configured to move the proportional valve into a closed valve position when the control unit recognizes that at least one of a required power of the primary and secondary hydraulic consumers exceeds the conveying capacity of the hydraulic pump and the subordinate hydraulic function of the secondary hydraulic consumer is inactive.