Bidirectional Check Valve for Hydraulic Pump Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic pumps and motors face inefficiencies due to viscous friction, leakage, and fixed port timing limitations, which hinder their ability to operate efficiently in both pumping and motoring modes, especially at high speeds and varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed, high-flow active bidirectional check valve system is introduced, comprising a check valve assembly and a pilot valve assembly, where the pilot valve assembly controls the pressure of pilot fluids to enable bidirectional flow control, allowing the system to operate as a variable-displacement digital pump/motor by selectively checking flow in either direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional hydraulic pumps and motors use fixed port timing and passive check valves, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the efficiency is limited to 70-95% due to viscous friction, leakage, and inability to adjust for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into multiple independent check valve assemblies (first check valve assembly and second check valve assembly), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific valve assemblies based on operating conditions, enabling efficient flow control while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements active electronic control of check valve assemblies instead of passive mechanical operation. The controller dynamically adjusts valve timing and operation based on real-time operating conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying speeds and loads, thereby significantly improving efficiency while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive check valves are used in check ball pumps, then the valve structure is simple and cost is low, but the pump cannot operate in motoring mode or control flow and pressure parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve assemblies are equipped with active electronic control systems that enable dynamic adjustment of valve timing and operation. This allows the pump to switch between pumping and motoring modes by electronically controlling the timing of check valve opening and closing, providing versatile operating capabilities while managing complexity through integrated control electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in both pumping and motoring modes, control flow direction, regulate pressure parameters, and adapt to different operating speeds. This multi-functionality is achieved through the controller's ability to selectively activate and coordinate multiple check valve assemblies, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function
3Ease of operation
If active electronically controlled valves are used to achieve variable-displacement digital pump/motor, then flow and pressure control is improved, but the valve system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex control function is divided among multiple independent check valve assemblies, each controlled by the electronic controller. This segmentation allows the system to achieve sophisticated flow and pressure control by selectively activating specific valve assemblies, while managing overall complexity through modular architecture that simplifies control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller serves as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple check valve assemblies. By centralizing the control logic in the controller, the system achieves ease of operation through programmable flow and pressure control, while the intermediary nature of the controller manages complexity by abstracting the control of individual valves into unified control algorithms
4Productivity
If high-speed valve operation is achieved with transition times less than 1.5 milliseconds, then productivity is improved, but the valve design becomes more challenging and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The high-speed operation requirement is distributed across multiple check valve assemblies rather than demanding extreme performance from a single valve. This segmentation allows each valve to operate at high speed with simpler design, achieving overall system productivity through parallel operation of multiple valves while reducing individual manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple check valve assemblies are used as identical or similar copies, each performing the same high-speed function. This copying approach allows the system to achieve high productivity through parallel operation, while the standardized design of each valve assembly simplifies manufacturing by enabling mass production of identical components
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
This solution enhances the control and efficiency of hydraulic systems by enabling bidirectional flow control, reducing energy consumption, and extending the operational life of the valves while maintaining low leakage and high flow rates, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The pilot piston defines first and second pilot chambers within the pilot housing, and first and second pilot ports are fluidically coupled to the first and second pilot chambers, respectively, through which at least one pilot fluid enters and exits the pilot housing. The controlling means is adapted to control the pressure of the at least one pilot fluid within the first and second pilot chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control valve system suitable for use in fluid systems. The valve system includes at least one check valve assembly that has a controllable bidirectional flow capability. The valve system and its check valve assembly can be installed in a fluid system that contains a pump/motor to enable the displacement output of the pump/motor to be controlled. The valve system further includes a pilot valve assembly and a device for controlling the check and pilot valve assemblies. The controlling device is adapted to control the pressure of at least one pilot fluid delivered to the pilot valve assembly, which enables the check valve assembly to selectively check flow of a working fluid flowing therethrough in either of two directions.