Flow Control Valve Floating Function Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow control valves for construction equipment require a separate floating switching valve to achieve a floating function, increasing the number of parts, manufacturing costs, and complicating the equipment layout.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design that integrates the floating switching function within the main control valve (MCV), using a spool, regeneration passage, floating switching valve, and booster valve to allow communication between the large and small chambers of the hydraulic cylinder, eliminating the need for a separate floating switching valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate floating switching valve is added to achieve floating function, then the floating function is realized, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the floating switching function with the main control valve by integrating a floating switching spool into the existing valve body. This allows the floating function to be achieved without adding a separate floating switching valve, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining the required adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The main control valve is designed to perform multiple functions including both standard flow control and floating function through the integrated floating switching spool. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate components, reducing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate floating switching valve is added to achieve floating function, then the floating function is realized, but the equipment layout becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the floating switching mechanism within the existing main control valve assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate valve mounting and connection piping, thereby simplifying the overall equipment layout while maintaining floating function capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate floating switching valve is added to achieve floating function, then the floating function is realized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of floating switching function into the main control valve reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant parts and assembly operations while preserving the floating function
Solution Approach 2:
The main control valve is designed to perform multiple functions including floating operation, which increases its utility value and justifies the design complexity while reducing overall system cost by eliminating the need for separate floating switching valve components
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 integration simplifies the equipment layout, reduces the number of parts, and lowers manufacturing costs by enabling the floating function within the MCV, thereby reducing overall costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spool (9) switchably disposed within the valve body (7), wherein the spool (9) is switched to allow the supply passage (3) to communicate with the first or second actuator passage (5 or 6)
Implementation Method 2
a regeneration passage (10) through which a portion of working fluid returning to the tank passage (8) from a large chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (4) is supplied to a small chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (4)
Implementation Method 3
a floating switching valve (11) including a logic valve (11a) configured to open and close a passage (5a) branched from the first actuator passage (5), wherein the floating switching valve (11) is switched in response to a pilot pressure c applied thereto to drain working fluid from a back pressure chamber of the logic valve (11a)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hydraulic circuit for construction equipment, having a floating function for ground leveling work, which can be implemented by a main control valve. According to the present invention, provided is a flow control valve for construction equipment, having a floating function, comprising: a valve body having, formed therein, a supply path in communication with a pump path to which hydraulic oil is supplied from a hydraulic pump, and first and second actuator paths connected to a hydraulic cylinder driven by the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump; a spool switchably built into the valve body for, when switched, communicating the supply path into the first and second actuator paths so as to supply, to the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump via the supply path and the first actuator path and return, to a tank path, the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic cylinder via the second actuator path; a recycling path for supplying, to a small chamber of the hydraulic cylinder, a portion of the hydraulic oil returned from a large chamber of the hydraulic cylinder to the tank path and recycling the same; and a valve for floating conversion, installed at a predetermined position of the recycling path, wherein, in case of conversion to a floating state by application of pilot pressure to the valve for floating conversion, the large chamber and the small chamber of the hydraulic cylinder are communicated, and a path for supplying the hydraulic oil to the small chamber of the hydraulic cylinder and the recycling path are communicated so as to enable a bi-directional flow of the hydraulic oil.