Tractor-Trailer Hydraulic System Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically operated auxiliary drives in vehicles often require separate, heavy, and complex hydraulic circuits, which increase weight and operational complexity, especially when a trailer is coupled to a tractor vehicle, leading to a negative impact on the total weight and efficiency of the vehicle combination.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight hydraulic system that uses a single hydraulic pump on the tractor vehicle to supply both the auxiliary drive on the trailer and other hydraulically operated systems, such as a tipping device, through an open hydraulic circuit with a storage tank, reducing the need for additional pumps and valves, and utilizing a valve arrangement and control unit to manage energy distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hydraulic circuit is used for the auxiliary drive, then the auxiliary drive can be operated independently, but the weight and control complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary drive hydraulic circuit with the service brake hydraulic circuit, allowing both systems to share common hydraulic components (pump, reservoir, valves, lines) while maintaining independent operational capability. This merging eliminates the need for a completely separate hydraulic system, significantly reducing weight while preserving independent operation of the auxiliary drive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate hydraulic circuit is introduced for the auxiliary drive, then the auxiliary drive functionality is achieved, but the total weight of tractor and trailer combination increases particularly negatively
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is designed with multi-functionality, where the service brake hydraulic circuit serves dual purposes: providing service brakes and powering the auxiliary drive. The system can selectively direct hydraulic flow to different actuators based on operational needs, making the same hydraulic infrastructure serve multiple functions and reducing overall system weight.
3Ease of operation
If additional hydraulic pumps and valves are provided for the auxiliary drive, then the auxiliary drive can be operated, but the control outlay and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control systems for service brakes and auxiliary drive are merged into a unified hydraulic control architecture. Common valves and control mechanisms manage both braking and auxiliary drive functions, reducing the number of separate control components needed and simplifying the overall control outlay while maintaining full operational capability.
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 configuration significantly reduces the production cost and weight of the hydraulic system while allowing for flexible adaptation to various hydraulically operated systems, improving the overall efficiency and simplicity of the utility vehicle's operation by sharing hydraulic energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
the auxiliary drive is supplied with hydraulic energy by the hydraulic pump via the first valve arrangement, wherein, in addition to the auxiliary drive, the hydraulic pump supplies at least one further hydraulically operated system with hydraulic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system for utility vehicles includes an auxiliary drive, a hydraulic pump and a first valve arrangement, wherein, in an operating mode, the auxiliary drive is supplied with hydraulic energy by the hydraulic pump via the first valve arrangement, wherein, in addition to the auxiliary drive, the hydraulic pump supplies at least one further hydraulically operated system with hydraulic energy, wherein the hydraulic pump is arranged on a tractor vehicle, and wherein the auxiliary drive is arranged on a trailer, which is able to be coupled to the tractor vehicle.