Flow Control Valve for Construction Equipment Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control valves in construction equipment lead to inefficient fuel consumption as hydraulic oil is supplied to the actuator even when the actuator is contracting due to its own weight, causing unnecessary hydraulic energy waste.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve with a pressure chamber and a flow control valve mechanism that blocks the return of hydraulic oil to the tank when its pressure exceeds a predetermined level, using a valve spring to maintain the maximum open state and prevent reverse flow, thereby reducing unnecessary oil consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic oil is continuously supplied to the hydraulic actuator, then the actuator can be actuated, but fuel efficiency deteriorates when the actuator contracts due to its own weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a pressure sensor to detect the pressure of hydraulic oil returning from the actuator and provides feedback to a control unit. When the returning oil pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold (indicating the actuator is contracting under its own weight), the control unit closes the flow control valve to stop supplying hydraulic oil, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the hydraulic actuator to serve itself by detecting when it contracts under its own weight through the pressure of returning oil. The control system automatically stops oil supply based on this self-generated pressure signal, eliminating the need for external monitoring or manual intervention to prevent energy waste.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a flow control valve is added to control hydraulic oil flow, then fuel efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the flow control valve into the existing hydraulic circuit where it can share common components such as the valve body, spool, and control lines with the directional control valve. This merging approach allows the flow control function to be added without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the new components leverage existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary element that bridges the hydraulic system and the control system. By using this intermediate device to detect pressure conditions and trigger appropriate control actions, the system achieves intelligent flow control without requiring complex direct mechanical linkages or multiple specialized valves.
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
This configuration enhances fuel efficiency by preventing unnecessary hydraulic oil consumption and allows for easier arrangement and increased design flexibility of the main control valve.
Implementation Method 1
a valve spring to support elastically the maximum open state of the opening part of the flow control valve as the initial state
Implementation Method 2
when the pressure of the hydraulic oil returning to the hydraulic oil tank from the hydraulic actuator exceeds the predetermined pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a flow control valve for a construction equipment for controlling the amount of oil supplied to a hydraulic actuator from a hydraulic pump. The flow control valve for the construction equipment, according to the present invention comprises: a valve body installed on the path between a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic actuator and configured with a supply path communicating with a pump path supplying the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump and the actuator ports connected to the hydraulic actuator; a switchable spool provided within the valve body; a pressure chamber provided within the spool, which communicates with the supply path and the actuator port on one side; a signal pressure path provided within the spool, which communicates with the actuator port on the other side and the pressure chamber; and a flow control valve provided within the pressure chamber, wherein when the pressure of the hydraulic oil returning to the hydraulic oil tank from the hydraulic actuator exceeds the predetermined pressure, the flow control valve is switched by the returning oil supplied through the signal pressure path and blocks the opening part.