Method to automatically detect parameter for pressure dynamics control

{
  "publication_number": "US10605277B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Method to automatically detect parameter for pressure dynamics control",
  "abstract": "Systems and methods for auto-commissioning first and second valve assemblies associated with an actuator in an electro-hydraulic system are disclosed. In one method, a controller performs an automatic test protocol to determine a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter used by the controller to control the valve assemblies. In one aspect, the test protocol can include pressurizing each side of the actuator to two different pressures with one of the first and second valve assemblies and blocking the other side of the actuator with the other of the first and second valve assemblies. The bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for each valve assembly can be calculated based on recorded fluid pressures at the actuator and consumed flow at the first and second valve assemblies.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for a valve controller, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing first and second valve assemblies, each valve assembly having at least one of a pressure sensor and a position sensor in communication with an electronic system controller, the valve assemblies being in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator; (b) pressurizing each side of the actuator to two different pressures with one of the first and second valve assemblies and blocking the other side of the actuator with the other of the first and second valve assemblies; and (c) calculating the bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for the first and second valves based on fluid pressure at the actuator and consumed flow at the first and second valve assemblies.",
    "2. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 1, wherein the pressurizing step includes pressurizing a first side of the actuator with the first valve assembly to a first pressure and then to a second pressure while the second valve assembly is closed, and includes pressurizing a second side of the actuator with the second valve assembly to a third pressure and then to a fourth pressure while the first valve assembly is closed.",
    "3. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 2, further including the steps of recording the first, second, third, and fourth pressures.",
    "4. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 3, further including the steps of recording a first consumed flow associated with the first valve assembly and first pressure, recording a second consumed flow associated with the first valve assembly and second pressure, recording a third consumed flow associated with the second valve assembly and third pressure, and recording a fourth consumed flow associated with the second valve assembly and fourth pressure.",
    "5. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 4, wherein the calculating step is a function of the first through fourth pressures and the first through fourth consumed flows.",
    "6. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 2, wherein the pressurizing step includes a first pressurization step in which the second valve assembly is held closed and the first valve assembly is opened for a first predetermined period of time and then closed and includes a second pressurization step in which the second valve assembly is held closed and the first valve assembly is opened for a second predetermined period of time and then again closed.",
    "7. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 6, wherein the first and second predetermined periods of time are equal.",
    "8. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 6, wherein the pressurizing step includes a third pressurization step in which the first valve assembly is held closed and the second valve assembly is opened for a third predetermined period of time and then closed and includes a fourth pressurization step in which the first valve assembly is held closed and the second valve assembly is opened for a fourth predetermined period of time and then again closed.",
    "9. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 6, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth predetermined periods of time are equal.",
    "10. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 1, wherein the first and second valve assemblies are spool and sleeve type valve assemblies.",
    "11. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator.",
    "12. A method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for a valve controller, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing first and second valve assemblies, each valve assembly having at least one of a pressure sensor and a position sensor in communication with an electronic system controller, the valve assemblies being in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator; (b) holding the second valve in a closed position; (c) opening the first valve for a first time period and then closing the first valve; (d) recording a first time period, a first fluid pressure, and a first consumed flow for the first valve; (e) opening the first valve for a second time period and then closing the first valve; and (f) recording a second time period, a second fluid pressure, and a second consumed flow for the first valve. (g) calculating the bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for the first valve based on the recorded fluid pressures and consumed flows.",
    "13. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 12, wherein the first fluid pressure is higher than the second fluid pressure.",
    "14. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 12, wherein the first and second time periods are about the same duration.",
    "15. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 14, wherein the first and second time periods are each about two seconds in duration.",
    "16. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 12, wherein the recording steps are performed after a work port pressure becomes constant after the first valve has been closed.",
    "17. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 12, wherein the step of calculating the bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter is additionally a function of the first valve area.",
    "18. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 12, further comprising the steps of: (a) holding the first valve in a closed position; (b) opening the second valve for a first time period and then closing the second valve; (c) recording time period, fluid pressure, and consumed flow for the second valve; (d) opening the second valve for a second time period and then closing the second valve; (e) recording time period, fluid pressure, and consumed flow for the second valve; and (f) calculating the bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for each valve based on the recorded data.",
    "19. A method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for a valve controller, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing first and second valve assemblies, each valve assembly having at least one of a pressure sensor and a position sensor in communication with an electronic system controller, the valve assemblies being in fluid communication with the hydraulic actuator; (b) holding the second valve in a closed position; (c) opening the first valve for a first time period and then closing the first valve; (d) recording time period, fluid pressure, and consumed flow for the first valve; (e) opening the first valve for a second time period and then closing the first valve; (f) recording time period, fluid pressure, and consumed flow for the first valve; (g) holding the first valve in a closed position; (h) opening the second valve for a third time period and then closing the second valve; (i) recording time period, fluid pressure, and consumed flow for the second valve; (j) opening the second valve for a fourth time period and then closing the second valve; (k) recording time period, fluid pressure, and consumed flow for the second valve; and (l) calculating the bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter for each valve based on the recorded data.",
    "20. The method for determining a bulk modulus over fluid volume parameter of claim 19, wherein the first through fourth time periods are predetermined periods of time."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Work machines, such as off-highway vehicles, fork lifts, wheel loaders, track loaders, excavators, backhoes, bull dozers, and telehandlers are known. Work machines can be used to move material, such as pallets, dirt, and/or debris. The work machines typically include a work implement (e.g., a fork) connected to the work machine. The work implements attached to the work machines are typically powered by a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system can include a hydraulic pump that is powered by a prime mover, such as a diesel engine. Work machines are commonly provided with electronic control systems that rely upon a number of inputs and outputs, for example, pressure sensors, position sensors, and valve actuators. Electro-hydraulic valves often rely on sensed values, such as port pressure and/or valve position to provide a stable, controlled flow to and from a hydraulic actuator, such as a linear actuator or motor. To accurately control such valves, fluid properties must generally be input into the control system.\n\nThe disclosure includes a proposed method and auto-commissioning procedure to automatically detect the “bulk modulus over fluid volume” parameter of the actuator attached to the advanced mobile valve by performing an automated test. The advanced mobile valve includes of a pair of three position, three way independent metering valves. Each valve is equipped with valve spool position sensor, and pressure sensors at its work port. In addition, the valve can also measure the flow crossing it. The valve has signal processing/calculation capabilities.",
  "cpc": [
    "F15B 19/002",
    "F15B 11/006",
    "F15B 11/08",
    "F15B 13/0402",
    "F15B 13/0417",
    "F15B 13/0442",
    "F15B 19/00",
    "F15B 19/005",
    "F15B 19/007",
    "F15B 2013/0409",
    "F15B 21/02",
    "F15B 21/085",
    "F15B 21/087",
    "F15B 2211/20546",
    "F15B 2211/30575",
    "F15B 2211/455",
    "F15B 2211/46",
    "F15B 2211/6313",
    "F15B 2211/634",
    "F15B 2211/6346",
    "F15B 2211/6656",
    "F15B 2211/7053",
    "F15B 2211/7058",
    "F15B 2211/761",
    "F15B 2211/855",
    "F15B 2211/857",
    "F15B 2211/87",
    "F16K 37/00",
    "G01F 1/36",
    "G01F 15/005"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "F16K 37/00",
    "G01N 3/08",
    "F15B 13/04",
    "F15B 11/00",
    "F15B 13/044",
    "F15B 19/00",
    "F15B 21/02",
    "F15B 21/08"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Meng Wang",
    "Michael Berne Rannow"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-11-09",
  "publication_date": "2020-03-31",
  "grant_date": "2020-03-31",
  "priority_date": "2016-11-09",
  "application_number": "US-201715808212-A",
  "family_id": "62063735",
  "cited_by_count": 8,
  "citations": [
    "US20180128607A1"
  ]
}