Actuator Cylinder Logic Valve Assembly for Simpler Hydraulic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic cylinder control systems for machines like telescopic handlers and cranes are expensive, complex, and lack flexibility, requiring multiple independent electric valves and complex assembly procedures, making them unsuitable for various use conditions.

Innovation Solution

A single valve system is used, connected to the spring-side chamber, allowing easy assembly and customization for different volumes and pressure requirements, with separate connection adjustments possible without affecting other functionalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple independent electric valves are used to control the actuator cylinder, then the control function and safety are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol safetyVSAvoidvalve assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly that controls both supply ducts. This single valve assembly includes a body with multiple passages and controllable closure elements that can independently regulate fluid flow to different chambers of the actuator cylinder, thereby reducing the number of separate valves while maintaining control functionality and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control supply to the first chamber, supply to the second chamber, and coordinate between chambers. The valve body incorporates multiple passages and controllable elements that enable it to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate valves, achieving multi-functionality within a unified component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple independent electric valves are used, then the control precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of assembly operations required. The pre-integrated valve body with its internal passages and controllable elements eliminates the need for complex field assembly of multiple separate valves, thereby improving ease of manufacture and assembly while maintaining control precision through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If complex valve systems are used, then the control reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different use conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly incorporates controllable closure elements that can dynamically adjust fluid flow based on operational requirements. The system allows for flexible configuration of the controllable elements and passages to adapt to different use conditions while maintaining stable control through the integrated design. The valve body can be configured with different passage arrangements and controllable elements suited to specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If multiple valves are used independently, then the control function is improved, but the inspection and verification process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidinspection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly, the patent simplifies the inspection process. Instead of inspecting and verifying multiple separate valves and their interconnections, the integrated valve assembly allows for centralized inspection of the valve body passages, controllable elements, and internal flow paths, thereby reducing inspection complexity while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system simplifies assembly, enhances flexibility, and reduces costs by using a single valve for multiple configurations, ensuring efficient operation and easy verification without specialized tools.

Implementation Method 1

a valve (50) connected to the spring-side chamber (34, 44) of said first and second logic element (31, 41) so as to control a discharge of the fluid flow coming from said spring-side chamber (34, 44)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4647609A1Control system for an actuator cylinder
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4647609A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4647609A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4647609A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for actuating an actuator cylinder (10) of a working machine, said actuator cylinder having a first and a second chamber (11, 12), a piston (13) separating said first chamber (11) from said second chamber (12) configured to move an element connected thereto, said system comprising a first supply duct (21) of said first chamber (11) of said cylinder (10), a second supply duct (22) of said second chamber (12) of said cylinder (10), wherein said first supply duct (21) and said second supply duct (22) are connectable to a distribution valve configured to control a supply operation and an exhaust operation of said first supply duct (21) and of said second supply duct (22), wherein along said first supply duct (21) and along said second supply duct (22) a first logic element (31) and a second logic element are positioned respectively (41), wherein said first logic element (31) and said second logic element (41) are positioned to regulate a flow of fluid along said first and said second supply conduits (21, 22), wherein each of said first and said second logic elements comprises an annular chamber (35, 45) and a spring chamber (34, 44), wherein said annular chamber (35, 45) is separated from said spring chamber (34, 44) by a piston (32, 42), wherein said piston comprises a slot (33, 43) configured to provide a hydraulic connection between said annular chamber and said spring chamber, wherein said annular chamber (35, 45) of said first and said second logic elements (31, 41) is configured to receive a fluid coming from said first and said second supply conduits (21, 22) respectively, wherein said spring chamber (34) of said first logic element (31) and wherein said spring chamber (44) of said second logic element (41) is hydraulically connected to a valve (50) which is configured to regulate a discharge of fluid flow coming from said spring chamber (34, 44) of said first and said second logic element (31, 41).