Embedded Sequence Valve Hydraulic Cylinder for Compact High-Force Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic tools are complex, heavy, and bulky due to the external location of sequence valves, which increases manufacturing costs and makes them cumbersome for operators, especially in high force applications.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic cylinder system with an embedded sequence valve inside the hydraulic pump, featuring an inner hydraulic cylinder within an outer cylinder, a hydraulic ram, and a sequence spring, allowing for phased operation with varying extension rates based on pump flow and chamber areas to optimize force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sequence valve is located outside the hydraulic cylinder, then the sequence valve can control fluid flow between hydraulic cylinders, but the hydraulic tool becomes complex, heavy, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence valve is integrated inside the hydraulic pump assembly, merging two separate components (sequence valve and pump) into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for external sequence valve mounting and reduces the overall number of separate parts in the hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequence valve is nested within the pump housing structure, with the sequence valve body positioned inside the pump assembly. The sequence valve's spring chamber and port connections are incorporated within the existing pump architecture, creating a compact nested arrangement.
2Reliability
If the sequence valve is located outside the hydraulic cylinder, then the sequence valve can divert fluid flow in a predetermined sequence, but the hydraulic tool becomes cumbersome for operators to use
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the sequence valve with the pump assembly, the hydraulic tool achieves more compact overall dimensions. This integration reduces the tool's footprint and improves balance, making it easier for operators to handle and maneuver during operation.
3Reliability
If the sequence valve is located outside the hydraulic cylinder, then the sequence valve can allow fluid flow from one hydraulic cylinder to another, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence valve is manufactured as an integrated component within the pump assembly, reducing the total number of separate parts that need to be sourced, assembled, and sealed. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the hydraulic pump housing and the sequence valve housing. The pump assembly's internal structure provides mounting for the pump pistons while simultaneously accommodating the sequence valve mechanism, making the structure multi-functional.
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 embedded sequence valve and phased operation enable a more compact, user-friendly hydraulic system capable of high force applications with improved efficiency and reduced complexity, enhancing operator experience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A sequence valve diverts fluid flow in a predetermined sequence with a spring chamber chain connected to a separate port. This allows a separate drain connection from the spring chamber and when the pressure rises above the limit, the sequence valve allows flow to occur in another part of the system.
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic pump brings in a fixed or regulated flow of fluid to the bottom side of the cylinder to move the piston rod upwards.
Implementation Method 3
A sequence valve diverts fluid flow in a predetermined sequence with a spring chamber chain connected to a separate port.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic cylinder system and method for operating the hydraulic cylinder system for a hydraulic tool is provided. The hydraulic cylinder system comprises an inner hydraulic cylinder, an outer hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic ram, a hydraulic pump, and a sequence valve embedded inside the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump provides flow into the inner hydraulic cylinder so that during operation of the hydraulic cylinder system, the hydraulic ram extends in a first phase, the sequence valve opens in a transition phase, and the hydraulic ram extends in a second phase.