Adjustable Spool Valve Assembly for Precision Valve Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minor discrepancies in the manufacturing of spool valve components can lead to suboptimal control of valve position due to dimensional variances, making precise control difficult and increasing component costs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable spool component comprising a center and end component with threaded protrusions and recesses, allowing for adjustable positioning relative to each other, and the use of disc springs and adjusting nuts to achieve precise dimensions matching a corresponding sleeve, ensuring accurate sealing and fluid control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard manufacturing processes are used for spool valve components, then production cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to dimensional variances
Solution Approach 1:
The spool component is designed with adjustable features that allow post-manufacturing modification of dimensional parameters. The adjustable spool assembly includes threaded adjustment mechanisms and removable components that enable field adjustment of critical dimensions, transforming a static component into a dynamically adjustable one to compensate for manufacturing variances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows change of critical dimensional parameters after manufacturing through adjustment mechanisms. By providing adjustable spool assemblies with variable gap settings and reconfigurable components, the system enables parameter optimization without requiring precision manufacturing, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable components are added to compensate for manufacturing variances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spool valve is divided into modular segments including the spool assembly, valve body, and adjustable components. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanisms to be independently configured and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjustable spool assemblies act as intermediary components between the valve body and control system. These assemblies provide the necessary adjustment functionality while isolating the complexity of adjustment mechanisms from the main valve structure, thereby managing device complexity effectively.
3Measurement precision
If tight manufacturing tolerances are applied to spool valve components, then valve control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system incorporates adjustable spool assemblies that allow post-manufacturing calibration of critical dimensions. This dynamic adjustability enables achieving high control precision without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining valve position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable components are designed to be configured and calibrated after assembly, allowing precision to be established through adjustment rather than manufacturing. This preliminary action of providing adjustment capability before final installation enables cost-effective achievement of high precision valve control.
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 precise control of valve position by allowing for adjustments to establish precise annular chamber dimensions, reducing the impact of manufacturing discrepancies and maintaining optimal valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first end component may include a first threaded recess; and the second end component may include a second threaded recess. The first threaded recess may be configured to receive the first threaded protrusion and the second threaded recess may be configured to receive the second threaded protrusion, and the position of the first end component may be adjustable relative to the center component based on an amount of engagement between the first threaded protrusion and the first threaded recess
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first end component, the second end component, and the center component may include a set screw bore that is configured to receive a set screw
Implementation Method 3
The first end component may include a first axial through-bore; the second end component may include a second axial through-bore; and the center component may include a center axial through-bore
Implementation Method 4
The adjustable spool component may additionally include multiple disc springs that are positioned along the rod. The rod may include threaded ends, and an adjusting nut may be positioned on one of the threaded ends of the rod such that the position of each of the first and second end components may be adjustable relative to the center component by adjusting the position of the adjusting nut to compress or expand the disc springs
Data Source
AI summary
A spool valve includes a sleeve with multiple axial ports positioned over the length of the sleeve and an adjustable spool component that couples neighboring ones of the sleeve's ports based on a position of the spool component within the sleeve. The adjustable spool component includes multiple sub-components having positions that are adjustable relative to each other such that the dimensions of the spool component can be tailored to precisely match the corresponding sleeve.