Eaton Corporation

Eaton Intelligent Power Limited

Stephen Darrell Smith

Michael Berne Rannow

Jason Thomas Kraft

Chris William Schottler

Aaron Kelly Krahn

Hiroshi Matsui

Vijay A Karambalkar

The present disclosure describes a control system network architecture for a fluidic control system such as a hydraulic or pneumatic control system. The architecture includes a plurality of clustered control-component nodes with each node being alternatively configurable to independently control the operation of multiple single-acting controlled endpoint devices or a double-acting controlled endpoint device. Each node includes control-components including a solenoid, one or more valve spools independently controllable by the solenoid, and a low-level controller operable to control the solenoid. The solenoid, valve spools, and low-level controller are clustered together and physically co-located as a unit. The nodes are arranged in a control block with each node being uniquely identifiable for data communication via a data communication network. The data communication network may include a Controller Area Network (CAN). Multiple control blocks may be equipped with communication modules and linked for data communication between the control blocks.

Control system and network architecture for fluidic control systems

An online method for reconfiguring pressure and position sensors in a hydraulic system is disclosed. In one step, a sensor drift condition, a recalibration request, or an unisolated fault condition is detected. In another step, a system pressure sensor or another sensor, such as a load-sense pressure sensor, is verified as a trusted master reference sensor. Another step includes measuring and recording a first pressure reading at the master reference sensor and first voltage readings associated with first, second, third, and fourth pressure slave sensors at a first pump pressure set point. Another step includes, repeating the previous step at a second pump pressure set point. A new gain and offset for each of the first, second, third, and fourth pressure sensors can be calculated based on a comparison of the recoded first and second pressure readings and the recorded first and second voltage readings.

Online sensor calibration for electrohydraulic valves

A steering system includes a fluid motor and a steering unit. The steering unit is in fluid communication with the fluid motor. The steering unit includes a fluid meter adapted to meter fluid to the fluid motor in response to actuation of the steering unit. A valve housing is in fluid communication with the fluid meter. The valve housing defines a valve bore. A valve assembly is disposed in the valve bore. The valve assembly defines a primary fluid path to the fluid meter and to the fluid motor from the fluid meter. The valve assembly further defines a secondary fluid path to the fluid motor that bypasses the fluid meter. An amount of fluid through the secondary fluid path is based on volumetric efficiency of the fluid motor.

Steering system with dynamic slip reduction

A gerotor assembly includes a star, a ring, and an annular plug member, as well as an o-ring. The star member defines a center opening of a first diameter which is connectable to a low-pressure fluid reservoir. The ring member circumscribes the star member. The ring member defines, in conjunction with a stationary end cap of a fluid control device, a fluid channel connectable to a high-pressure fluid supply. The plug member is circumscribed by the star member, and defines a center bore of a second diameter less than the first diameter. The o-ring is positioned between the star and the plug members. The plug member forms a fluid seal against the end cap. A fluid control device includes the above gerotor assembly and a valve housing section. A method of assembling the gerotor assembly and fluid control device are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Plymouth, MN, United States of America

Stephen Darrell Smith