Variable Displacement Pump Service Pack for Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles with integrated auxiliary resources, such as hydraulic systems, rely on large and fuel-inefficient main vehicle engines, leading to unnecessary idling and reduced engine and drivetrain life, as well as inefficient power consumption due to the main engine operating at constant power levels regardless of load demands.
Innovation Solution
A service pack system comprising a smaller engine and a variable displacement pump, controlled by a load-sensing mechanism that adjusts pump displacement based on engine load and limits, allowing for power matching to meet specific hydraulic demands without overloading the engine, enabling the use of auxiliary resources independently of the main vehicle engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large main vehicle engine is used to drive auxiliary resources, then sufficient power is available to meet maximum hydraulic demands, but fuel consumption increases and engine life decreases due to unnecessary idling
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the auxiliary hydraulic power source from the main vehicle engine by introducing a dedicated smaller engine coupled to a variable displacement pump. This segmentation allows the auxiliary system to operate independently when needed, eliminating the need to idle the main engine while still providing sufficient power for hydraulic demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable displacement pump changes its displacement parameter based on actual hydraulic load demands. When full power is needed, the pump operates at maximum displacement; when less power is needed, the displacement is reduced. This allows the smaller engine to match power output to demand, providing sufficient peak power while reducing average fuel consumption.
2Ease of operation
If the main vehicle engine operates at constant power levels, then the system is simple to operate, but power consumption is inefficient because the engine cannot adapt to varying load demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static constant power operation to dynamic variable power operation. The variable displacement pump automatically adjusts its output based on hydraulic load demands through load-sensing mechanisms, allowing the engine to operate efficiently across varying loads while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-sensing mechanism provides feedback about actual hydraulic system demands to the variable displacement pump control. This feedback loop allows the pump to automatically adjust displacement to match actual needs, eliminating wasted power while requiring no operator intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a smaller engine is used to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the engine may be overloaded under maximum power consumption circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The variable displacement pump provides dynamic capacity adjustment, allowing the smaller engine to deliver maximum power when needed without being permanently oversized. The pump can operate at full displacement during peak demands and at reduced displacement during normal operation, preventing engine overload while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pump displacement parameter in response to load conditions. During maximum power consumption circumstances, the pump operates at maximum displacement to provide sufficient power; during normal operation, displacement is reduced to match lower demands, preventing engine overload and maintaining fuel efficiency.
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 reduces fuel consumption, extends engine and drivetrain life, and optimizes power usage by allowing the main vehicle engine to be shut off during auxiliary operations, while ensuring sufficient hydraulic power is provided, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing noise pollution.
Implementation Method 1
A service pack system comprising a smaller engine and a variable displacement pump, controlled by a load-sensing mechanism that adjusts pump displacement based on engine load and limits
Data Source
AI summary
A service pack, in certain embodiments, includes an engine, a variable displacement pump coupled to the engine, and a controller configured to control displacement of the variable displacement pump in response to a load condition associated with the engine. A method of managing power of an engine-driven system, in certain embodiments, includes sensing a load associated with an engine coupled to a variable displacement pump. The method also includes adjusting pump displacement of the variable displacement pump in response to the sensed load and one or more limits associated with the engine.