Design of a Remotely Operated Hydraulic Transmission Vehicle

This work presents the design of a remote-controlled vehicle with a hydraulically powered transmission for use as a supplementary tool to help teach complex concepts in engineering courses. The lack of fluid power demonstrators in higher education was the main driving factor in the development of this vehicle. The portable demonstrator consists of three main subsystems: the structural, electrical, and hydraulic systems. The vehicle's open-chassis design allows the electrical and hydraulic system to be visually exposed to understand how the vehicle works. Electrical servo motors, an electric speed controller, and communication devices make up the electrical circuit that controls the vehicle via a handheld remote. The electrical system is used to power and control the hydraulic system, which transmits power to the vehicle's wheels. A solenoid directional control valve is used to alter flow between the hydraulic pump and motor, controlling the speed and direction of the vehicle. The hydraulic transmission transfers the rotational energy from an electric prime mover into mechanical energy stored in the fluid. This energy is then converted to rotational energy using a hydraulic motor and is delivered to the vehicle's driveshaft. The vehicle's mechanical systems provide a tangible illustration of the basic principles found in courses such as fluid power, fluid mechanics, hydraulic motion control, and machine design. The electronic systems used to control the vehicle demonstrate fundamental concepts taught in courses such as electrical circuits, electronics, signals, and systems.