Pilot-Operated Valve Control for Adaptive Pressure Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices in fluid-operated circuits face issues with preload calibration of elastic means affecting pressure differences and energy loss, particularly in variable and constant-displacement pumping assemblies, leading to unwanted valve movements and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A valve device design that decouples pressure difference for valve displacement from elastic means calibration, allowing adaptation to specific operating conditions, and incorporates a piloting device with a control line to vary force exertion on the valve means, minimizing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic means with predefined preload are used to define pressure difference for valve displacement, then valve means can be displaced between home position and working position, but the pressure difference cannot be adapted to specific operating conditions and unwanted valve displacement occurs with variable-displacement pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static elastic means with a dynamic piloting device that includes a variable displacement pump and control valve. The piloting device dynamically adjusts the pressure in the second piloting line based on operating conditions, allowing the pressure difference across the valve means to be adapted in real-time. This dynamic system eliminates the fixed preload limitation while maintaining stable valve positioning through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of pressure in the second piloting line from a fixed value (determined by elastic preload) to a variable parameter controlled by the control valve. By varying the pressure parameter dynamically through the control valve, the system can adapt the pressure difference to match specific operating conditions without causing unwanted valve displacement.
2Productivity
If elastic means are used in constant-displacement pumping assembly, then valve means can be actuated, but continuous energy loss occurs to overcome the preload of elastic means
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve in the piloting device uses the system's own pressurized fluid to actuate the valve means, eliminating the need for continuous external energy input to overcome elastic preload. The control valve directs fluid pressure to move the valve means when needed, and allows pressure to equalize when not needed, creating a self-regulating system that avoids continuous energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous energy expenditure, the system uses periodic action through the control valve which activates only when valve displacement is required. The control valve opens briefly to allow pressure equalization or pressure buildup, then closes to maintain the position, creating an on-demand operation that eliminates continuous energy loss while maintaining valve actuation capability.
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
Enables the use of variable-displacement pumps and reduces energy loss in constant-displacement systems by dynamically adjusting the force on valve means, optimizing operation based on specific conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the valve means move from the home position to a working position when the force exerted by the pressure along the first piloting line is greater than the sum of the force exerted by the pressure along the second piloting line and that exerted by the elastic means
Implementation Method 2
elastic means operating on the valve means from the same side of the first piloting line
Implementation Method 3
a second piloting line operating on the valve means on the opposite side of the first piloting line
Data Source
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AI summary
The valve device (1) comprises: - at least one supply line (2) connectable to a source of a working fluid under pressure; - at least one delivery line (3) connectable to a user point; - valve means (4) positioned between the supply line (2) and the at least one delivery line (3) and movable between a home position and at least one working position; - piloting means (5) of the valve means (4) comprising at least a first piloting line (6) operating on the valve means (4) to push them from the home position to the working position, a second piloting line (7) operating on the opposite side of the first piloting line (6) and elastic means (8) operating on the valve means (4) from the same the of said second piloting line (7); wherein the piloting means (5) comprise a piloting device (18) provided with a control line (19) connectable to an auxiliary source of a working fluid under pressure and operating on the valve means (4), depending on the pressure of the working fluid along the control line (19) by varying the overall force exerted by the piloting means (5) on the valve means (4).