Cross-Axis Selector Spool Layout for Compact Hydraulic Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional valve devices for controlling hydraulic fluid flow in cylinder mechanisms are oversized due to the need for the selector spool to move the same distance as the main spool, increasing the axial and outer size of the device.

Innovation Solution

A valve device design where the selector spool has an axis crossing the main spool's axis, allowing it to operate adjacent to the main spool, reducing the axial length and outer size, and incorporating a tapered portion to facilitate movement with the main spool, enabling efficient hydraulic fluid flow control without the need for direct spool interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the selector spool is configured to move the same distance as the main spool, then the spool can effectively control hydraulic fluid flow, but the axial length and outer size of the valve device increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic fluid flow control effectivenessVSAvoidaxial length of valve device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by making the selector spool axis cross the main spool axis rather than being parallel. This dimensional change allows the selector spool to move a shorter distance while still effectively controlling the hydraulic fluid flow, thereby reducing the axial length of the valve device without compromising control effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the selector spool is configured to move the same distance as the main spool, then the spool can effectively control hydraulic fluid flow, but the outer size of the valve device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic fluid flow control effectivenessVSAvoidouter size of valve device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design reduces the overall size of the valve device while maintaining effective control over hydraulic fluid flow, allowing for efficient operation in reducing the size and complexity of the device.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member biasing the plunger in a closing direction in which the plunger moves to close the first supply/discharge path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic pressure of hydraulic fluid flowing in a cylinder mechanism-side portion of the first supply/discharge path and a hydraulic pressure of hydraulic fluid flowing in a control valve-side portion of the first supply/discharge path are applied to the plunger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11466706B2Valve device

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK

AI summary

A valve device that changes the direction of flow of a hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from a cylinder mechanism to actuate the cylinder mechanism, the valve device including: a control valve including a main spool axially movable between different positions; a lock valve including a plunger and a pressure chamber; and a selector valve including a selector spool operable in conjunction with the main spool to axially move between different positions, the selector spool being located adjacent to the main spool and having an axis crossing an axis of the main spool.