Cylindrical Hydraulic Control Module With Integrated Fire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic control modules experience asymmetrical loads and vibration issues due to unbalanced construction, and require additional fireproof shielding, which increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A control module design featuring a cylindrical tank with valves spaced around its circumference, circumferential passages, and a unified housing that balances the module's center of gravity and integrates fire protection within the hydraulic system, utilizing additive manufacturing for efficient construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If valves are located at one side of the tank in conventional designs, then the construction is simpler, but asymmetrical loads and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse by creating a symmetric arrangement of valves around the tank circumference. Multiple valves are positioned at different angular positions (e.g., 0°, 120°, 240°) to achieve rotational symmetry, which balances the center of gravity and eliminates asymmetrical loads during operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate fire shield is added around the tank, then fire protection is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fire shield function with the existing tank structure by forming an integrated housing that serves both as the tank container and fire protection barrier. The housing is designed as a single unified component that eliminates the need for separate fire shielding, reducing weight and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the hydraulic fluid, provides structural support, and acts as a fireproof shield. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated fire protection components, reducing overall system weight and complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for tank, valves, and passages, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tank, valves, and fluid passages into a single integrated housing component. The housing is designed as one piece that incorporates all fluid distribution features, eliminating the need for separate manifolds and multiple assembly steps, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a control module for a hydraulic system. The module comprises a tank and a plurality of valves. The tank is configured to store hydraulic fluid and is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of valves fluidly connect with the tank and are configured to control distribution of hydraulic fluid from the tank to one or more components of the system. The plurality of valves are spaced around a circumference of the tank. One or more passages fluidly connect the tank with at least one of the plurality of valves and/or a first of the plurality of valves with a second of the plurality of valves.