Cylindrical Hydraulic Control Module for Balanced Valve Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic control modules experience asymmetrical loads and vibration issues due to unbalanced designs, and require additional fireproof shielding, which increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical tank with valves and passages arranged around its circumference, supported by evenly distributed feet to balance the module and integrate the housing for reduced weight and improved heat resistance, utilizing additive manufacturing for efficient construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional control modules use unbalanced designs with components positioned on one side, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but asymmetrical loads and vibration issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse by deliberately creating a symmetrical design where valves are positioned at opposite ends of the tank (0度和180度位置), and feet are distributed evenly around the circumference. This symmetrical arrangement balances the center of gravity and eliminates asymmetrical loads during operation, resolving the vibration and stability issues while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized component placement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate fire shields are added around the tank, then fire protection is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fire protection function with the existing tank structure by making the tank itself fireproof through material selection or coating. The housing integrating the valves and passages is designed to provide thermal shielding, eliminating the need for separate fire shield components. This integration reduces both weight and structural complexity while maintaining fire protection capability.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple valves are positioned close together on one side of the tank, then passage length is reduced, but asymmetrical loading and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions valves at opposite ends of the tank (0度和180度位置) to create a symmetrical balance that eliminates asymmetrical loads. Although this increases passage length compared to clustering valves on one side, the symmetrical arrangement ensures that the center of gravity remains centered, preventing vibration and instability issues during operation.
4Device complexity
If the housing is designed as a single integrated component, then weight and part count are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing, valves, and passages into a single integrated component manufactured using additive manufacturing technology. This integration reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps while the additive manufacturing process enables complex internal geometries and precise feature placement that would be difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods, thereby managing precision requirements.
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.