Double-Acting Cylinder Fluid Return Using Rapid Venting Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy-saving circuits for double-acting pneumatic cylinders require many components and additional control functions, leading to increased complexity and reduced efficiency, with potential reductions in retraction and extension forces, as well as motion speed.
Innovation Solution
A fluid return apparatus that includes a rapid venting valve and a check valve to redirect fluid from the second cylinder chamber back into the first cylinder chamber during extension, reducing the need for additional fluid supply and maintaining force levels, comprising a first fluid supply for the first cylinder chamber, a second fluid supply for the second cylinder chamber, and a fluid passage connecting them with a rapid venting valve and check valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If known energy-saving circuits are used, then fluid consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to many components and additional control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy-saving function with the existing rapid venting valve into a single integrated component. The rapid venting valve serves dual purposes: rapid exhaust of the piston rod side chamber and return path for fluid from the piston side chamber. This merging eliminates the need for separate energy-saving components while maintaining fluid conservation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rapid venting valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a rapid exhaust valve during retraction, provides a return path for fluid during extension, and includes a check valve to prevent backflow. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while achieving energy-saving objectives.
2Loss of substance
If known energy-saving circuits are used, then fluid consumption is reduced, but retraction force and extension force are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes using the rapid venting valve. During retraction, the valve provides rapid exhaust for high retraction force. During extension, the valve creates a controlled return path that maintains sufficient pressure for extension force while conserving fluid. The check valve ensures proper flow direction to maintain force requirements.
3Loss of substance
If known energy-saving circuits are used, then fluid consumption is reduced, but motion speed is reduced in at least one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The rapid venting valve enables periodic action by providing rapid exhaust during retraction strokes, maintaining high motion speed in that direction. During extension strokes, the valve provides a controlled return path that balances fluid conservation with acceptable extension speed. This periodic operation maintains speed requirements while achieving overall fluid consumption reduction.
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 reduces fluid consumption by up to 24% per cycle, maintaining extension and retraction forces, and is cost-effective, space-saving, and easily integratable into existing systems, improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve in the second fluid passage which prevents fluid flowing from the first fluid passage to the rapid venting valve
Implementation Method 2
a rapid venting valve comprising an inlet for communication with the second fluid connection, an outlet for communication with the second cylinder chamber at the piston-rod-side, and a vent, which is connected by a second fluid passage to the first fluid passage
Data Source
AI summary
In order to reduce fluid consumption, a fluid return apparatus is provided for a double-acting cylinder having a first fluid connection for supplying fluid to a first cylinder chamber of the cylinder and a second fluid connection for supplying fluid to a second cylinder chamber at a piston rod-side of the cylinder. The fluid return apparatus comprises a first fluid passage providing fluid communication between the first fluid connection and the first cylinder chamber; a rapid venting valve comprising an inlet providing communication with the second fluid connection; an outlet providing communication with the piston-rod-side second cylinder chamber; a vent of the rapid venting valve, connected by a second fluid passage to the first fluid passage; and a non-return fitting in the second fluid passage, which prevents fluid from flowing from the first fluid passage to the rapid venting valve and an auxiliary outlet device.