Fluid Control Device Exhaust Venting via Fluidic Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid control devices face back pressure and reduced speed due to small exhaust passageways in solenoids, leading to seal wear and inefficiency in venting trapped fluid.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an exhaust port within the fluid control device, utilizing a fluidic switch to direct pilot volume to an exhaust passageway when the signal port is de-pressurized, eliminating the need for venting through the solenoid and optimizing exhaust flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If exhaust fluid is vented through the solenoid's exhaust passageway, then the fluid control device can return to non-activated position, but the small exhaust passageway creates back pressure and limits operational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust function is segmented from the solenoid valve into a separate exhaust passageway integrated into the fluid control device body. This allows the exhaust flow path to be independent from the signal port, enabling larger exhaust openings without affecting solenoid operation while eliminating back pressure on seals.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluidic switch acts as an intermediary component that directs the exhaust fluid from the pilot volume through the dedicated exhaust passageway to the exhaust port, rather than forcing it through the solenoid. This intermediary routing solution resolves the conflict between needing exhaust capability and avoiding back pressure.
2Productivity
If exhaust passageway size is increased to improve exhaust flow, then back pressure is reduced, but the solenoid valve constraints limit the available exhaust port size
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust passageway and exhaust port are merged into the fluid control device body itself, combining the exhaust function with the main device structure. This integration allows the exhaust port size to be optimized independently of solenoid constraints, improving exhaust flow efficiency without increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If exhaust flows through the solenoid, then the existing solenoid structure can be used, but seal wear increases due to back pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust function is extracted from the solenoid valve and placed into a separate exhaust passageway integrated into the fluid control device. This extraction eliminates the harmful back pressure effect on seals while maintaining the solenoid's primary function of controlling pilot pressure, thereby extending seal life and improving reliability.
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 solution enhances operational speed and extends seal life by optimizing exhaust passageway size and eliminating back pressure, making the fluid control device performance independent of solenoid valve constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluidic switch configured to couple the first passageway with the first signal port when the first signal port is pressurized and where the first fluidic switch is configured to couple the first passageway with the first exhaust passageway when the first signal port is not pressurized
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device is disclosed that is configured to vent pilot volume through an exhaust port or exhaust passageway (140) integrated into the fluid control device. The fluid control device has a fluidic switch (112) configured to switch a pilot volume into the exhaust port or exhaust passageway (140) when a signal port or signal passageway (114) is de-pressurized. The fluidic switch (112) couples the signal port or signal passageway (114) to the pilot volume when the signal port or signal passageway (114) is pressurized.