Elastomer-Mounted Split Ring for High-Load Hydraulic Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic valves experience rapid wear and tear of regulating elements such as split rings due to exposure to high loads, leading to reduced durability and reliability, particularly in applications like hydraulic machines.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic valve with a split ring assembly incorporating an elastomeric element mounted around the split ring to absorb lateral forces and absorb loads, allowing for adjustable fluid throughput regulation, with the split ring assembly being movable or fixed relative to the hydraulic ram to control fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a split ring is used to regulate hydraulic fluid throughput, then flow control is achieved, but rapid wear and destruction occur due to high loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of split ringVSAvoidresistance to high loads
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines a metal split ring with an elastomeric element to create a composite structure. The metal ring provides structural integrity and flow control functionality, while the elastomeric element absorbs lateral forces and mechanical stresses, preventing wear and destruction under high load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric element acts as an intermediary between the metal split ring and the hydraulic ram outlets. It absorbs and dampens the high mechanical loads and lateral movements, protecting the metal split ring from direct contact with the outlets and preventing rapid wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the split ring is made more robust to withstand high loads, then durability improves, but the ability to absorb lateral movements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidability to absorb lateral movements
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure combines rigid metal for load-bearing with flexible elastomer for movement absorption. The metal split ring maintains structural strength to withstand high hydraulic loads, while the elastomeric element provides flexibility to absorb lateral movements and misalignments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the split ring assembly have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The metal ring provides localized strength where load-bearing is needed, while the elastomeric element provides localized flexibility where movement absorption is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 elastomeric element absorbs lateral movements, reducing wear and tear, increasing durability and load cycles, and enabling operation under high pressures up to 600 bar, with the split ring assembly capable of withstanding at least 600,000 load cycles.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric element (16) being adapted to mount a split ring (12) around a hydraulic ram (5)... the elastomeric element is arranged around the outward circumference of the split ring (12)... the elastomeric element absorbs lateral movements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4196706B1Elastomer-mounted split ring
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 CATERPILLAR INC
  • EP4196706B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4196706B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4196706B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention pertains to a split ring assembly (10) for adjusting the throughput of a fluid of a hydraulic valve comprising an elastomeric element (16) being adapted to mount a split ring (12) around a hydraulic ram, wherein the elastomeric element (16) is arranged around the outward circumference of the split ring (12), wherein the throughput of the fluid is adjustable depending on the degree to which the throughput of hydraulic fluid is limited by the split ring (12).