US 2003/0196434 A1 · Multi-circuit flow ratio control

Abstract

A method for controlling a desired ratio of flow in a system having multiple circuits. The method includes determining a first desired flow in a first circuit and a second desired flow in a second circuit, determining a first actual flow in the first circuit and a second actual flow in the second circuit, comparing the first desired flow to the first actual flow and the second desired flow to the second actual flow, determining a condition of one of the first and second actual flows being less than the respective first and second desired flows, and responsively initiating a command from one of the first and second circuits to the other of the first and second circuits to reduce the actual flow of the other of the first and second circuits to maintain the desired ratio of flow.

Drawings

Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO

Drawings

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for controlling a desired ratio of flow in a system having multiple circuits, including the steps of:

determining a first desired flow in a first circuit and a second desired flow in a second circuit;
determining a first actual flow in the first circuit and a second actual flow in the second circuit;
comparing the first desired flow to the first actual flow and the second desired flow to the second actual flow;
determining a condition of one of the first and second actual flows being less than the respective first and second desired flows;
and
responsively initiating a command from one of the first and second circuits to the other of the first and second circuits to reduce the actual flow of the other of the first and second circuits to maintain the desired ratio of flow.

3 more elements

A method for controlling a desired ratio of flow in a system having multiple circuits, including the steps of:

determining a desired flow in each of the multiple circuits;
determining an actual flow in each of the multiple circuits;
comparing each desired flow to each respective actual flow;
determining a condition of at least one circuit having an actual flow less than the respective at least one desired flow;
and
responsively initiating a command from the at least one circuit having an actual flow less than the desired flow, the command being delivered to at least one other circuit to reduce the actual flow of the at least one other circuit to maintain the desired ratio of flow.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description3,469 words

Summary636 words

#This application claims the benefit of prior provisional patent application Serial No. 60/339,609, filed Dec. 11, 2001

#This invention relates generally to a method for controlling a flow in multiple circuits and, more particularly, to a method for controlling a ratio of flow in each circuit with respect to each other circuit.

#It is common in various technologies to provide a flow of some sort from a single source to multiple circuits. For example, in hydraulics, a single hydraulic pump may provide hydraulic fluid flow to multiple circuits, such as hydraulic cylinders. In another example, in electrical systems, a single power source commonly provides power or current to multiple electric circuits.

Brief description of the drawings9 figures

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for use with the present invention;

#FIG. 2a is a control diagram illustrating a first independent circuit;

#FIG. 2b is a control diagram illustrating a second independent circuit;

Detailed description2,713 words

#Referring to FIG. 1, a hydraulic system 102 (hereinafter referred to as “system”) is shown which is suited for use with the present invention. A pump 104 provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the system 102. A tank 106 provides a reservoir of hydraulic fluid. The pump 104 and the tank 106 act in coordination as a source of hydraulic power. The pump 104 and the tank 106, as a source, supply a flow of hydraulic fluid to the system 102.

#Additional hydraulic circuitry 108, such as valves and the like (not shown), are an integral part of the system 102, but are not needed for a discussion of the present invention.

#At least one hydraulic cylinder 110 (hereinafter referred to as “cylinder”) is included in the system 102. For example, in FIG. 1, a first cylinder 112 and a second cylinder 114 are shown. The cylinders 110 are used to perform the work which the system 102 is designed for.

Facts

Application

10/092,121Filed 6 Mar 2002

Priority

11 Dec 2001

Published

23 Oct 2003

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification2 codes

G05D 11/132
By measuring the values related to the quantity of the individual components: by controlling the flow of the individual components
G05D
Systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables

Multi-circuit flow ratio control

Life of this patent

Multi-circuit flow ratio control

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims15

Description3,469 words

Drawings

Classification2 codes

Life of this patent

Description3,469 words