Variable-Displacement Pump Hydraulic System with Flow Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems face inefficiencies due to fluid restriction for actuator speed control, and existing meterless systems have limitations in simultaneous operation and control of multiple actuators.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system incorporating variable-displacement pumps and a combiner valve arrangement that allows selective connection of actuators to pumps in closed-loop configurations, enabling simultaneous operation and independent control of fluid flow to multiple actuators through switching valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid restriction is used to control actuator speed in conventional hydraulic systems, then actuator speed can be independently controlled, but flow losses occur that reduce overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two pump configurations (first pump only, second pump only, or both pumps combined) based on the operational requirements of different actuators. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt flow distribution in real-time, eliminating the need for continuous fluid restriction and reducing energy losses while maintaining independent actuator speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pumps by selectively connecting different pump-actuator pairs and adjusting pump displacement. By varying pump displacement and switching between single-pump and dual-pump modes, the system optimizes flow delivery to match actual actuator demands, thereby reducing unnecessary flow restriction and energy waste.
2Loss of energy
If a single pump is used in meterless hydraulic systems, then efficiency is improved, but the speed and forces of multiple actuators are difficult to control simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple independent pump-actuator circuits, where each actuator can be selectively connected to specific pumps. This segmentation allows independent control of each actuator while maintaining the efficiency benefits of meterless operation, as each circuit can be optimized separately without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pump is designed to be universally connectable to multiple actuators through selective valve arrangements. The pumps can function independently or in combination, providing multi-functional capability that enables simultaneous control of multiple actuators with different speed and force requirements while maintaining system efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple pumps are connected to multiple actuators in existing meterless systems, then simultaneous operation is enabled, but the system complexity increases and control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hydraulic network into distinct pump-actuator segments that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be activated or deactivated based on operational needs, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple actuators while keeping the control logic manageable through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic valve arrangements that automatically configure pump-actuator connections based on operational demands. This dynamic reconfiguration simplifies control by eliminating the need for complex manual setup, as the system adapts its configuration in real-time to enable simultaneous actuator operation with reduced complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system includes a variable-displacement first pump, a variable-displacement second pump, and a first actuator selectively connected either to the first pump in a closed loop manner and not the second pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner. The hydraulic system also includes a second actuator selectively connected either to the second pump in a closed loop manner and not the first pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner. The hydraulic system further includes a variable-displacement rotary actuator selectively connected either to the first pump in a closed loop manner and not the second pump, or to the first and second pumps in a closed loop manner.