Coaxial Spool Valve Assembly for Independent Hydraulic Circuit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic control systems for automatic transmissions and heavy equipment lack an efficient and compact solution for controlling multiple hydraulic circuits independently, leading to inefficiencies in fluid management and control.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control valve design featuring two coaxially positioned spool valves within a valve bore, each controlling a separate hydraulic circuit, with a clearance fit to prevent fluid leakage and a common pressurized fluid source, allowing independent control of the circuits using a single actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate control valves are used to control multiple hydraulic circuits, then each circuit can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spool valves (first spool valve and second spool valve) into a single integrated control valve assembly with a common valve bore. Each spool valve controls a separate hydraulic circuit independently while sharing common structural elements including the valve bore, housing, and actuator mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining independent control capability for each circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve assembly is designed with multi-functional capability where a single actuator can control multiple spool valves that regulate different hydraulic circuits. The common valve bore and shared actuator mechanism enable one control component to perform multiple functions of directing hydraulic fluid to different circuits, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control valves for each circuit.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact valve design with coaxial spool valves is used, then space is reduced, but fluid leakage between circuits may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones using spool valves with lands that create separate flow chambers for each hydraulic circuit. The spool valves divide the common valve bore into isolated sections, ensuring hydraulic fluid remains contained within its designated circuit pathway and preventing cross-contamination or leakage between different circuits despite the compact coaxial arrangement.
3Device complexity
If coaxial spool valves are positioned within a common valve bore, then the control valve becomes more compact, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different regions of the valve assembly. The critical clearance fit between spool valve lands and valve bore is precisely controlled only in the specific zones where hydraulic fluid flow control occurs, while other non-critical areas of the valve assembly allow for standard manufacturing tolerances. This localized precision approach maintains compact coaxial design while managing manufacturing complexity.
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 efficient and compact control of multiple hydraulic circuits, preventing fluid leakage and allowing independent operation of each circuit, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydraulic systems in automotive and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first spool valve slidably positioned within the valve bore and adapted to control a first hydraulic circuit, and a second spool valve slidably positioned within the valve bore and adapted to control a second hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 2
There is a clearance fit between the inner diameter of the valve bore and the outer diameter of each of the first and second lands of the first and second spool valves, allowing movement of the first and second spool valves within the valve bore and substantially stopping hydraulic fluid from flowing between the inner diameter of the valve bore and the outer diameter of each of the first and second lands
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic control valve for controlling hydraulic circuits comprises a valve housing defining a valve bore, a first spool valve slidably positioned within the valve bore and adapted to control a first hydraulic circuit, and a second spool valve slidably positioned within the valve bore and adapted to control a second hydraulic circuit. The first spool valve and the second spool valve are positioned co-axially within the valve bore and are independently slidable within the valve bore to allow the first and second spool valves to control the first and second hydraulic valves independently of one another.