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Shrinking hydraulics.

Article Excerpt
Shrinking hydraulics

by Bruce Wiebusch

O-rings double as valves in a new technology to reduce hydraulic system size.

In OEM Off-Highway's May 2008 issue, the "Fluid Power Series" story mentions several trends and changes affecting the design of hydraulic systems. According to the story, factors that fluid power customers consider important include: products that are lighter weight, able to handle higher pressures, routing systems through smaller spaces, and a greater use of O-ring seal connectors to prevent leakage.

Fluid power is one of the most important systems when considering what gets the work done at construction sites and other locations. Hydraulics are also used in braking, steering, machine articulation, stabilization, suspension systems and other functions within off-highway machines and equipment.

But as the space under the hood shrinks, design engineers must cram fluid power components into tighter envelopes. Electronic and electrical components, hot surfaces and other factors restrict routing of hydraulic lines and placement of hydraulic system components.

Smaller versions of existing hydraulic components are not necessarily the answer. Decreasing part sizes change mechanical and performance properties. Smaller components may also...

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