Eaton's new CMA advanced mobile valve with independent metering gives equipment manufacturers nearly endless possibilities for differentiating machine capabilities.
The CAN-enabled electro-hydraulic mobile valve’s on-board electronics and sophisticated software algorithms let it surpass industry standards for intelligence, capabilities, dynamics, and control.
“Eaton’s new CMA advanced mobile valve with independent metering dramatically streamlines and simplifies everything, from design and setup to operation and optimization,” said Shelley Nation, CMA lead engineer for mobile valves at Eaton. “Mobile equipment manufacturers are looking for products that enhance productivity and efficiency, maintain a competitive cost structure and provide real-time data.”
As part of Eaton’s advanced class of dynamic machine control solutions, the CMA valve lets original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to improve every phase of the machine life cycle. The valve’s intelligent features provide a new level of efficiency, productivity, and predictive maintenance solutions, such as:
* Improve controllability using advanced control algorithms which can be easily configured, on the spot, to a customer’s machines specific setup. Additionally, with independent metering, which allows for independent meter-in and meter-out, there is smooth and efficient load control under any load conditions.
* Enable new capabilities with the ability to seamlessly switch between velocity and force control modes.
* Faster commissioning is made possible by a software interface which enables users to set up and tune the valve rather than swapping parts as seen in other conventional mobile valves.
* Real-time diagnostics are shared from on-board sensors which monitor pressure, temperature, position and flow, helping to detect and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
* Hose-burst detection prevents costly spills by monitoring flow to and from the service and closing the service if a leak is detected.
* Minimize downtime with a limp mode that allows end users, in the event of sensor failure, to work at a reduced rate until the machine can be serviced.
The valve is available with rated flow of 90 or 200 lpm, and its independent metering allows each spool to control its own work port for consistent speed and better control of services that transition between passive and over-running states.
Real-time diagnostics and hose-burst detection are made possible through the use of twin-spool architecture, on-board sensors, and Eaton’s proprietary data processing.
“The independent-metering, on-board electronics, sensor feedback, and dynamic capability of the valve allow unlimited flexibility in designing control algorithms and advanced features that can be tuned for unique applications,” said Mike Rannow, CMA controls engineer at Eaton.
Additionally, the new valve’s software-driven setup reduces designing and building costs while shortening time to market. Combined with Eaton’s Pro-FX electronic controls and software, the valve easily integrates with controls and allows performance optimizations to be made and tested in seconds instead of months. Pre-built software libraries and industry-standard protocols such as J1939 and CANopen also dramatically reduce development time.
Eaton’s global network of certified experts provides world-class support to manufacturers commissioning the new valve. With a vast distribution network, local support for specifying, prototyping, assembly and commissioning is available to help get new equipment to market faster.
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