Hydraulic Accumulator System Design?

[kdlklm]

I'm designing a machine that has a hydraulic lowering system, I was thinking about incorporating some sort of accumulator system to absorb some of the shock when the machine is being driven.

I was looking for someone who might have done something like this before, and might have some advice.

I don't really want to go to an air system, because the machine is going to be completely hydraulic. And I don't really want to start mix-and-match systems.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I've seen hydraulic accumulators, but I have no idea how they work.

But, I'm fully intrigued by this machine that you are building. What is it?

 

[oldnslo]

If you don't want "air" type system then you will have to go with some form of spring loaded or other mechanical device since hydraulic accumulators are pre-charged with nitrogen.

These can be tricky to design or incorporate and usually require special plumbing and considerations for safety lock outs / bleed downs.

Wilkes McLean (spelling) and or Nacol used to have a site for sizing accumulators. Not sure if they still do or not.

 

[leonz]

I'm designing a machine that has a hydraulic lowering system, I was thinking about incorporating some sort of accumulator system to absorb some of the shock when the machine is being driven.

I was looking for someone who might have done something like this before, and might have some advice.

I don't really want to go to an air system, because the machine is going to be completely hydraulic. And I don't really want to start mix-and-match systems.

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The job of an accumulator is to store energy or absorb shock loads AT WORK
and to reduce pulsation therefore dampening the pressure spike to a manageable pressure.

If you are designing an articulating steering system you need a cushion valve in the steering circuit.

A far as the need to install an accumulator to do what you are describing it can be done BUT its a waste of money as the accumulator will increase the amount of bounce if it is installed in a double acting hydraulic system.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Is the intent to store energy or dampen surge pressures? Either way with an accumulator you will be storing some energy. If you choose a very small accumulator precharged to system working pressure it would dampen w/o storing much energy. Cood be good for what you want. You could bias the in/out flow rate with a custom check valve to improve system properties.
larry

 

[kdlklm]

I've seen hydraulic accumulators, but I have no idea how they work.

But, I'm fully intrigued by this machine that you are building. What is it?

I've posted several topics on this machine before, it's designed for a person in a wheelchair to drive from the front with the joystick.

 

[kdlklm]

If you don't want "air" type system then you will have to go with some form of spring loaded or other mechanical device since hydraulic accumulators are pre-charged with nitrogen.

These can be tricky to design or incorporate and usually require special plumbing and considerations for safety lock outs / bleed downs.

Wilkes McLean (spelling) and or Nacol used to have a site for sizing accumulators. Not sure if they still do or not.

When I referred to not wanting to use air, I meant that I don't want to have a compressor on the system to rejuvenate air, like you have to with an airbag system.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I've posted several topics on this machine before, it's designed for a person in a wheelchair to drive from the front with the joystick.

Oooohh! The wheelchair ATV. Of course. How's that project coming. Last I followed it you were still in the design phase. Are you building yet?

 

[kdlklm]

Oooohh! The wheelchair ATV. Of course. How's that project coming. Last I followed it you were still in the design phase. Are you building yet?

Yes we have started building the frame of the machine, and articulated steering. Still lots of issues to work out, but it's coming along slowly. I've got lots of photos on my website, if you're interested.

ATV

 

[oldnslo]

Is this for ride control? If yes, several companies are already using this concept for construction and ag equipment. Most of them have a solenoid operated valve so you can choose when to use this feature and when you want to lock it out.

Any idea on what pressure you are going to be working with? Reason I ask is that I think there are some regulations on hydraulic pressure allowed next to people in an enclosed or restrained environment.

Roy