Flow Divider Spool with Variable Surplus Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow dividers require complex circuit structures to balance spool urging forces, leading to increased pressure drops and complexity when distributing fluid between priority and surplus flow circuits.
Innovation Solution
A flow divider with a spool and variable surplus restriction, featuring a first and second surplus restriction that adjust flow rates in steps, reducing the urging force on the spool and simplifying the circuit structure by using a cross-sectional area changing portion to manage fluid flow between the supply, priority, and surplus paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a priority restriction and surplus restriction are formed between the spool and the wall surface of the spool hole, then fluid flow is distributed to priority and surplus circuits, but the circuit structure becomes complicated to offset spool urging force
Solution Approach 1:
The supply flow path is divided into a first supply passage and a second supply passage that are branched from each other and communicated with the spool hole. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid flow paths, enabling simplified spool urging force offset without requiring complex additional circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The surplus restriction is designed as a variable restriction that varies the flow rate in accordance with the movement of the spool. The second surplus restriction is formed to restrict the flow rate in at least two steps, creating a dynamic flow control system that automatically balances spool forces during operation without complex external circuits.
2Stress or pressure
If the priority restriction causes a large pressure drop, then fluid force imbalance occurs urging the spool, but adding offset circuits increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The function of offsetting spool urging force is merged into the existing surplus restriction structure. The second surplus restriction, formed to restrict flow rate in at least two steps, simultaneously performs flow restriction and spool force balancing, eliminating the need for separate offset circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable surplus restriction automatically adjusts to offset spool urging force through its own structure. As the spool moves and changes the opening amount of the surplus restriction, the second surplus restriction inherently provides the counterbalancing effect, making the system self-regulating without external intervention.
3Productivity
If a variable surplus restriction is used to control flow rate, then flow distribution is improved, but the spool urging force must be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The surplus restriction is designed as a variable restriction that changes its flow restriction characteristics based on spool position. The second surplus restriction restricts flow rate in at least two steps, creating parameter changes that suppress spool urging force while maintaining effective flow rate control to the surplus circuit.
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 flow divider effectively distributes fluid at predetermined rates between priority and surplus circuits with reduced pressure drops and complexity, maintaining a balanced spool position and minimizing the urging force, thus preventing circuit overcomplication.
Implementation Method 1
A surplus restriction, which is defined by the spool and the wall surface of the spool hole, restricts flow rate of the fluid from the supply flow path to the surplus flow path
Implementation Method 2
The supply flow path includes a first supply passage and a second supply passage branched from each other and communicated with the spool hole
Data Source
AI summary
A flow divider includes a spool for distributing fluid from a supply flow path to priority and surplus flow paths. First and second surplus restrictions vary flow rate in accordance with the movement of the spool and restrict the flow rate to the surplus flow path respectively from first and second supply passages. The second surplus restriction is formed to restrict the flow rate in at least two steps. The spool includes a cross-sectional area changing portion located at a position corresponding to the second surplus restriction. Therefore, the circuit structure is prevented from becoming complicated and the fluid force acting as a spool urging force is suppressed.