Electronically Actuated Valve Assembly With Failsafe Flow Default
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically controlled hydraulic valves often fail to maintain fluid flow due to power loss, signal failures, or software glitches, posing safety and reliability concerns in applications where continuous operation is critical.
Innovation Solution
An electronically actuated valve assembly with a movable valve member, resiliently deformable members, and armatures, which can exhibit different positional defaults based on electromagnetic forces and flow forces, allowing for operation in a 'failsafe' configuration to maintain fluid flow even in the absence of control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronically controlled valves are used to control hydraulic fluid flow, then productivity and automation are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to power loss, signal failures, or software glitches causing valve actuation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is pre-configured with multiple armatures (first and second armatures) and resiliently deformable members that can be activated in advance through different control signals. This preliminary configuration allows the system to switch to alternative actuation paths when the primary electronic control fails, maintaining reliability without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the valve assembly by switching between different control signal configurations. When electronic control signals fail, the system transitions to using flow forces and resilient member deformation as alternative actuation mechanisms, changing the physical parameters from electromagnetic actuation to fluid-mechanical actuation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the hydraulic machine stops producing flow upon controller failure, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to production interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates dynamic adaptability through multiple armatures and control configurations that allow the system to change its operational state based on control signal availability. The valve can dynamically switch between electronically-controlled positioning and flow-force-driven positioning, enabling continuous operation even when electronic control fails
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly uses flow forces generated by the hydraulic system itself to actuate the valve member when electronic control signals are unavailable. The resiliently deformable members and armatures are designed to be actuated by the system's own operational parameters (flow and pressure), allowing the system to self-regulate and maintain safety without external control
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
Ensures continuous fluid flow and operation in hydraulic machines by shifting to a 'failsafe' mode when control signals fail, ensuring safety and reliability, particularly in critical applications like vehicle steering systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first coil is configured to, on application of a first coil current therethrough as a first control signal, exert a first electromagnetic force on the second armature
Implementation Method 2
the valve assembly is configured to, on application of a second control signal, exert a second resultant electromagnetic force on the first armature
Data Source
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AI summary
An aspect of the invention provides an electronically actuated valve assembly (100) comprising: a valve member (110) moveable between a first position corresponding to a first valve state and a second position corresponding to a second valve state; a first resiliently deformable member (140); a first coil (125) configured to cause the valve member (110) to exhibit a first positional default; a first armature (120) moveable relative to the first coil (125) to thereby cause movement of the valve member (110); and a second armature (121) movable relative to the first coil (125) and arranged to cause movement of the valve member (110) via the first resiliently deformable member (140), wherein, in a first operating configuration of the valve assembly: the first coil (125) is configured to, on application of a first coil current therethrough as a first control signal, exert a first electromagnetic force on the second armature (121) to thereby cause the first resiliently deformable member (140) to cause the valve member (110) to exhibit the first positional default; and the valve assembly is configured to, on application of a second control signal, exert a second resultant electromagnetic force on the first armature (120) to thereby cause the valve member (110) to exhibit the second positional default, and wherein, in a second operating configuration of the valve assembly: the valve assembly is configured to cause the valve member (110) to exhibit a third positional default, different from the first positional default.