Compact Hydraulic Servo Valve With Integrated Actuating Ducts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic servo-actuated valves face challenges with fragile connection pipes, complex assembly times, and potential obstructions due to dirt, which hinder efficiency and robustness, especially in remote areas with scarce human control.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a hydraulic servo-actuated valve with a composite actuating duct that eliminates the need for connection pipes by directly connecting operative members to the valve body and lid through flanged couplings, enhancing assembly speed, robustness, and ease of cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connection pipes are used to connect operative members to the valve body and lid, then the valve can be operated, but the assembly becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve operationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection pipes with the valve body and lid by integrating the inlet and outlet ducts directly into these components. The operative members are connected directly to the valve body and lid without external pipes, eliminating the need for separate connection components and simplifying the overall assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body and lid are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, contain the actuating chamber, and directly connect to operative members through integrated ducts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connection pipes and reduces assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If connection pipes are used to connect operative members, then the valve can be assembled, but assembly time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve assemblyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection ducts are merged with the valve body and lid structures, allowing operative members to be connected directly during the valve assembly process without requiring separate pipe installation steps. This integration significantly reduces assembly time and simplifies the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet and outlet ducts are pre-integrated into the valve body and lid during manufacturing, so that when the valve is assembled, the connection paths are already in place. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for time-consuming pipe connection operations during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional pipes are used for connection, then the valve can be constructed, but the structure becomes fragile and susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve constructionVSAvoidstructural robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection ducts are merged with the robust valve body and lid structures, eliminating the need for separate, vulnerable pipes. The integrated ducts benefit from the structural strength of the valve components, making the overall construction more resistant to damage from rodents, animals, and human error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vulnerable connection pipes are extracted from the system and replaced with integrated ducts formed as part of the valve body and lid. This removal of separate pipe components eliminates the fragility and susceptibility to damage that characterized the previous design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If connection pipes are used, then the valve can function, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult due to obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve functionVSAvoidcleaning and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection ducts are merged with the valve body and lid, creating open, accessible pathways that are integrated into the main valve structure. This integration allows for easier inspection and cleaning compared to separate, enclosed pipes, as the ducts can be accessed directly through the valve components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve is segmented into modular components (valve body, lid, operative members) with integrated ducts that can be accessed and cleaned independently. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and clean the connection pathways without disassembling the entire valve, facilitating easier maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design simplifies and accelerates assembly, increases the valve's robustness, and facilitates cleaning by eliminating the fragility and obstruction issues associated with traditional pipes, resulting in a more reliable and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable membrane made of rubbery material, whose edge is tightened between the edge of the main opening and the edge of a lid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The liquid entering the actuating chamber from the inlet duct generates a pressure in the actuating chamber that thrusts the actuator to a completely lowered position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3441651B1Compact hydraulic servo-actuated valve
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 LODOLO ALBERTO
  • EP3441651B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3441651B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3441651B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Hydraulic servo-actuated valve comprising a valve body (1), an actuator (2) and a lid (3), - the valve body (1) comprising a main opening (8) and a clamping flange (9) arranged around the main opening (8) ; - the actuator (2) comprising a central actuation region (10) and a peripheral sealing band (11); - the lid (3) comprising a central portion (12) and a counter-clamping flange (13); said valve comprising a composite actuating duct (15) longitudinally extending between the clamping flange (9) and the counter-clamping flange (13), said composite actuating duct (15) being obtained by joining a first element (13) and at least one second element (11).