Trailed Implement Pump Hydraulic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural sprayers face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow rates during spraying operations, leading to potential overheating and energy inefficiency in trailed agricultural implements due to the lack of precise hydraulic pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle load sense system and an electro-hydraulic valve that adjusts hydraulic pressure to match the implement's hydraulic pressure, allowing for real-time control of fluid flow rates by a controller, ensuring the pump operates within optimal parameters and conserves energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a PTO-driven diaphragm pump with fluid regulation valve is used, then fluid spraying function is achieved, but precise hydraulic pressure regulation is lacking leading to overheating and energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the load sense line continuously monitors implement hydraulic pressure and feeds this information back to the vehicle hydraulic pump. The pump controller adjusts the pump's hydraulic pressure output based on this feedback signal, creating a closed-loop system that maintains precise pressure regulation and prevents energy waste from over-pressurization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms with an electronically controlled hydraulic pump system. The electronically controlled pump uses electronic signals from the load sense system to regulate hydraulic pressure, providing more precise and responsive control compared to mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving energy efficiency and preventing overheating.
2Productivity
If hydraulic pressure is continuously maintained at high levels, then fluid flow rate control capability is improved, but overheating occurs due to energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic hydraulic pressure regulation where the vehicle hydraulic pump continuously adjusts its pressure output based on real-time demands from the implement. Rather than maintaining constant high pressure, the system dynamically modulates pressure levels to match actual fluid flow requirements, preventing energy wastage and heat generation while maintaining adequate flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the hydraulic pressure parameter dynamically based on operational conditions. The load sense system monitors implement pressure demands and communicates these to the vehicle pump controller, which adjusts the pump's pressure output parameter accordingly. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain fluid flow control capability while avoiding sustained high-pressure operation that causes overheating.
3Ease of operation
If a load sense system with electro-hydraulic valve is implemented, then real-time fluid flow rate control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the vehicle hydraulic pump system. The same pump and control infrastructure that provides hydraulic power to the implement also performs fluid flow rate regulation through the electro-hydraulic valve and load sense system. This multi-functionality approach achieves real-time flow control capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Device complexity
If hydraulic pressure is not regulated, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy inefficiency and overheating occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a load sense line as an intermediary element that connects the implement hydraulic system back to the vehicle pump control system. This intermediary provides pressure feedback information without requiring complex additional control mechanisms. The load sense line enables intelligent pressure regulation by the vehicle pump while maintaining relative system simplicity, avoiding energy inefficiency and overheating that would occur without any pressure regulation.
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 enables rapid adjustment of fluid flow rates, preventing overheating and energy wastage by synchronizing vehicle and implement hydraulic pressures, thus optimizing the operation of trailed agricultural sprayers.
Implementation Method 1
a valve configured to receive the vehicle hydraulic pressure from the vehicle pressure output of the vehicle and to communicate the implement hydraulic pressure to the vehicle load sense system of the vehicle by means of a valve sense output of the valve coupled to the vehicle sense input of the vehicle load sense system
Implementation Method 2
The valve is an electro-hydraulic valve that, by regulating the vehicle hydraulic pressure to the implement hydraulic pressure, adjusts the actual fluid rate of the fluid moved by the pump
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A trailed agricultural implement (10) is disclosed. The trailed agricultural implement (10) includes a hydraulically-driven pump (50) for moving a fluid at an actual fluid rate. An electro-hydraulic valve (70) is configured to regulate an implement hydraulic pressure to the hydraulically-driven pump (50). The hydraulically-driven pump (50) regulates the actual fluid rate. The electro-hydraulic valve (70) is configured to receive a vehicle hydraulic pressure. The electro-hydraulic valve (70) communicates with a vehicle load sense system (115). The load sense system (115) senses the implement hydraulic pressure and communicates with a vehicle hydraulic pump. The vehicle hydraulic pump adjusts the vehicle hydraulic pressure to correspond to the implement hydraulic pressure.