Electronically Controlled Check Valve for Hose Rupture Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve systems for hydraulic actuators lack precise control over movement, especially during pipe or hose rupture, leading to potential speed increases that are not adequately managed, and lack clear methods for controlling the control current in such scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A valve system with a logic unit and integrated sensors, where the logic unit processes signals from various sensors to regulate the control current and maintain precise control over the valve unit, ensuring the first valve seat remains open and actuator speed is not doubled during pipe rupture, utilizing a second and third piston mechanism with adjustable flow paths and a pressure relief valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a valve unit is directly controlled by an electric current through a coil and core mechanism, then the design becomes simpler and control precision improves, but the system lacks a logic unit to properly manage control current during pipe rupture scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a logic unit that receives signals from sensors (such as pressure sensors detecting pipe rupture) and adjusts the control current to the coil accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically respond to rupture conditions, maintaining precise control by reducing or eliminating control current when rupture is detected, preventing actuator speed doubling while preserving the simplicity of electric current-based valve control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The logic unit serves as an intermediary between the sensors and the coil control mechanism. It processes sensor signals and determines the appropriate control current level, mediating between the detection of rupture conditions and the actual adjustment of valve control. This intermediary layer enables precise control management during rupture scenarios without requiring complex direct sensor-to-coil wiring or control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the first piston is constantly adjustable using hydraulic control pressure applied to the pilot valve, then the movement of the cylinder can be controlled, but the actuator speed may double during pipe rupture which is not adequately managed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement controlVSAvoidspeed control reliability during rupture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely hydraulic control pressure mechanism with an electrically controlled system. Instead of relying on hydraulic control pressure applied to the pilot valve to adjust the first piston, the system uses a coil generated magnetic field to directly control the piston position. This substitution allows for more reliable speed control during rupture because the electrical control can be instantly adjusted or cut off based on rupture detection, preventing the actuator speed doubling issue that occurs with hydraulic pressure-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic unit automatically detects pipe rupture through sensors and self-adjusts the control current to the coil, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex hydraulic pressure management during rupture. The system serves itself by automatically responding to rupture conditions, maintaining reliability by preventing speed doubling without requiring additional manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If no specification is given as to how the control current is to be controlled, then the valve unit design is simpler, but precise control is not achieved especially in the event of a pipe break

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system designVSAvoidcontrol precision during rupture
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The logic unit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring sensor signals (such as pressure sensors detecting pipe rupture) and adjusting the control current to the coil accordingly. This feedback mechanism provides precise control during rupture scenarios by automatically reducing or eliminating control current when rupture is detected, while maintaining simple valve unit design. The feedback loop ensures that the control current is always at the appropriate level for the current operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The logic unit is pre-programmed with rupture detection logic and control current adjustment strategies. When a pipe rupture occurs, the system has already established the appropriate response (reducing or eliminating control current) through pre-configured control logic. This preliminary preparation enables immediate and precise control adjustment during rupture without requiring complex real-time decision-making or additional control system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 achieves precise control over the actuator's movement and prevents speed doubling during pipe rupture, ensuring efficient and controlled operation by integrating a logic unit and sensors to manage the control current effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a core (45) is provided which is at least partially surrounded by a coil (46), wherein a fluid flow from the control chamber to the first port is adjustable by an electric current in the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3699438B1Check valve system with electronic control
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3699438B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3699438B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3699438B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve unit which is provided with a first piston (30) which has a first opening (32) and a control chamber (15), wherein a fluid connection between a first and a second port (11; 12) is closed or is kept open in a position defined by the first piston (30) in the event of a bursting of a hose connected to the first port. According to the invention, a pilot valve (48) is provided which has a core and a coil (46), wherein a fluid flow from the control chamber (15) to the first port (11) can be regulated by an electric current in the coil (46), wherein the current is regulated by a logic unit (101, 201, 301, 401) which is suitable for receiving signals from at least one sensor, in particular a pressure sensor (102, 103, 402, 403), an inertial detector (202) and/or position sensor (302, 404) and for regulating the electric current in the coil (46).