Fluid Control Shutter with Pilot Pressure Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling fluid supply in systems, such as piston cooling nozzles for internal combustion engines, are costly and complex, requiring a vent to atmospheric pressure and large actuators for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a pressurized fluid supply inlet, an evacuation outlet, a main conduit, and a movable shutter assisted by a secondary channel and closure means, where the fluid pressure aids in shutter operation, allowing for a compact design without the need for an atmospheric vent and using a small-sized actuator for a larger shutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large-sized shutter is used to control fluid supply, then the control capability and sealing performance are improved, but the actuator size and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pilot channel as an intermediary mechanism that uses a small pilot shutter controlled by a compact solenoid valve to regulate fluid pressure. This pilot pressure then controls the larger main shutter through pressure differential, enabling a small actuator to control a large shutter without direct mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using fluid pressure in the pilot channel to control the main shutter. The pressure differential across the main shutter, generated by the pilot channel, provides the force needed to move the large shutter, replacing the need for a large mechanical actuator.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional valve design with vent to atmospheric pressure is used, then the valve operation is simplified, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system self-regulating by using the fluid's own pressure to control the shutter operation. The pilot channel uses the pressurized fluid itself to generate the control pressure, eliminating the need for external venting to atmospheric pressure and external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pilot control channel and the main fluid channel into a single integrated structure. The pilot channel is formed within the same body as the main channel, and the shutter serves both channels simultaneously, eliminating separate venting systems and reducing overall complexity.
3Device complexity
If a small actuator is used to control a large shutter, then the device size and production cost are reduced, but the force required to move the large shutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot channel acts as a force amplifier intermediary. The small actuator generates a small force that creates pressure in the pilot channel, and this pressure, acting over the larger area of the main shutter, generates the larger force needed to move the main shutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter in the pilot channel to achieve force multiplication. By controlling the pressure in the pilot channel through the small actuator, the system transforms a small input force into a large output force on the main shutter through pressure differential.
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 reduces production costs and simplifies the system by enabling a compact, efficient fluid control mechanism that can handle large shutters with small actuators, eliminating the need for an atmospheric vent and allowing for modulated fluid supply.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid applies a force to the movable shutter so that it shuts off the main duct
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Control device for supplying a system from a pressurized fluid source comprising an inlet (8), an outlet (10) of the pressurized fluid, a main conduit (11) connecting the inlet (8) and the outlet (10), and control means comprising: - a secondary conduit (12) connecting the supply inlet (8) to the discharge outlet (10), - a movable shutter (14) interrupting the flow in the main conduit (11), - closing means suitable for interrupting the flow in the secondary conduit, - a pilot chamber (18) between the movable shutter (14) and the closing means, connected to the inlet (8). In a closed state of the sealing means, the movable shutter (14) interrupts the circulation of the fluid between the inlet (8) and the outlet (10), and, in an open state of the sealing means, the movable shutter allows the flow between the inlet (8) and the outlet (10).