Electrohydraulic Valve Merging Pressure Relief and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure relief valves lack the ability to both prevent pressure levels from exceeding a set pressure and divert fluid to high-pressure hydraulic components efficiently, often requiring multiple valves and increasing system size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A single electrohydraulic valve configured to operate in pressure relief mode, which can block fluid flow when actuated, allowing fluid diversion at high pressure and revert to pressure relief mode when unactuated, incorporating a solenoid actuator and pilot check member to manage fluid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple valves are used to achieve both pressure relief and fluid diversion functions, then pressure protection and high-pressure operation capabilities are maintained, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure relief valve and flow control valve functions into a single electrohydraulic valve assembly. The main valve body houses both the pressure relief mechanism (with pilot check member and setting spring) and the flow control mechanism (with solenoid actuator and annular groove), eliminating the need for separate valves and reducing system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrohydraulic valve performs multiple functions: it acts as a pressure relief valve when unactuated (diverting excess fluid to tank) and as a flow control valve when actuated (blocking fluid flow through the annular groove). This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require two separate valves.
2Reliability
If multiple valves are used to achieve both pressure relief and fluid diversion functions, then pressure protection and high-pressure operation capabilities are maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure relief valve and flow control valve into one integrated assembly with shared components. The pilot check member, setting spring, solenoid actuator, and annular groove all work together within a single valve body, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid actuator is nested within the valve body, with the annular groove formed in the actuator itself. The pilot check member is positioned within the flow path controlled by the annular groove. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact, integrated structure.
3Weight of stationary object
If a single valve is used to achieve both pressure relief and fluid diversion functions, then system size and weight are reduced, but the valve must manage complex fluid flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles to control the valve operation. Pilot fluid pressure acts on the pilot check member to overcome the setting spring force and open the relief path. The solenoid actuator controls hydraulic flow through the annular groove, using fluid pressure to block or enable flow paths. This hydraulic control mechanism manages complex flow control within a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot check member and setting spring assembly act as an intermediary mechanism that responds to fluid pressure changes to control the main flow path. The solenoid actuator serves as an intermediary between the electrical control signal and the hydraulic flow control, translating electrical actuation into mechanical movement that blocks or opens flow paths.
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
Enables efficient pressure management and fluid diversion in a compact package, reducing system size and weight while maintaining pressure protection and high-pressure operation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator sleeve slidably accommodated about the exterior peripheral surface of the pilot sleeve portion of the pilot seat member
Implementation Method 2
a pilot check member disposed in the pilot chamber and subjected to a biasing force of a setting spring disposed in the pilot chamber
Implementation Method 3
the pilot check member is configured to be subjected to fluid force of fluid in the second channel of the pilot seat member acting on the pilot check member
Data Source
AI summary
An example valve includes: (i) a pilot seat member comprising a first channel and a second channel, a pilot seat, and a pilot sleeve portion comprising a pilot chamber and a cross-hole; (ii) a pilot check member disposed in the pilot chamber and subjected to a biasing force of a setting spring, wherein the pilot check member is configured to be subjected to fluid force of fluid in the second channel; and (iii) a solenoid actuator sleeve slidably accommodated about the pilot sleeve portion, wherein the solenoid actuator sleeve comprises a cross-hole and an annular groove, wherein the cross-hole of the solenoid actuator sleeve is fluidly coupled to a second port of the valve, and the annular groove is configured to selectively fluidly couple the first channel to the second channel based on a position of the solenoid actuator sleeve.