Flow Control Valve Non-Constant Opening Reduces Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control valves for hydraulic devices face inaccuracies in combining mode at high fluid flow rates due to oscillations of the main spool and pressure drops through orifices, which are not independent of the main spool's axial position, especially under turbulent flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flow control valve design featuring an outer spool with non-constant longitudinal section second openings that create an obstacle for fluid flow, reducing turbulence and maintaining pressure drop independence from the spool's position, combined with inner spools having partition walls with specific hole configurations to manage fluid flow and reduce turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow control valve operates in combining mode with high fluid flow rate, then the fluid flow rate is improved, but the accuracy deteriorates due to oscillations of the main spool
Solution Approach 1:
The main spool is divided into an outer spool and inner spools that can move independently. The outer spool handles flow distribution while inner spools manage pressure balancing, separating the functions to eliminate oscillations and maintain accuracy at high flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure equalization chambers are introduced as intermediary elements between the spools and fluid ports. These chambers buffer pressure fluctuations and reduce direct coupling between spool position and pressure changes, minimizing oscillations during high-flow combining operations
2Stress or pressure
If the main spool moves to equalize pressures in combining mode, then the pressure balance is improved, but the turbulence increases causing pressure drop dependency on spool position
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the spool system have specialized geometries optimized for their local functions. The outer spool has openings configured for flow distribution while inner spools have geometries optimized for pressure equalization, reducing turbulent mixing and maintaining pressure drop independence
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization chambers add a volumetric dimension to the pressure management system. By creating three-dimensional pressure buffering zones rather than direct linear pressure paths, the system reduces turbulent flow effects and maintains more stable pressure characteristics
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 design enhances accuracy and reduces turbulence, maintaining precise control and pressure management in both dividing and combining modes, especially at high fluid flow rates, by minimizing the impact of spool position on pressure drops and fluid flow behavior.
Implementation Method 1
because of high turbulent flow, this is not always true
Implementation Method 2
the resistance offered by the orifices to the fluid flow causes the subsidiary spools to move away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow control valve adapted for use as a flow-dividing and flow-combining valve in hydraulic devices, comprising: a valve body having a first longitudinally extending bore, an outer spool slidably positioned within the bore, the outer spool having an axially extending passageway, a pair of axially extending inner spools slidably positioned within the passageway, the valve body having a first port and a pair of second ports, the outer spool having at least a first opening communicating with the first port and with the passageway, and at least two pairs of second openings therethrough. At least one second opening of each pair is of non-constant longitudinal section narrowing from the outer face of the outer spool on at least a part of the thickness of the second opening, so that a lateral side of the second opening offers an obstacle where a part of the fluid flow entering the second opening crashes before entering the inner spool.