Hydraulic Control Apparatus Integrating On-Off Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic control apparatuses for cylinders are complex and large due to separate components for check valves and flow regulators, which complicates their configuration and size.
Innovation Solution
A compact hydraulic control apparatus integrating a switch valve, flow control valve, on-off valve, and valve control device within a single housing, where the on-off valve is used to control fluid flow between the cylinder and switch valve lines, and the flow control valve adjusts the restrictor opening degree based on the switch valve position, eliminating the need for separate check and flow regulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate operated check valve and flow regulator are used, then fluid control functions are achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operated check valve and flow regulator into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body houses both the check valve mechanism (with first valve seat and first valve element) and the flow regulator mechanism (with second valve seat and second valve element) in a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the first valve element provides check valve functionality to prevent reverse flow, while the second valve element provides flow regulation capability. The single valve body structure supports both functions, making the device multi-functional and reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If separate operated check valve and flow regulator are used, then fluid control functions are achieved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve elements and valve seats are nested within the valve body structure. The first and second valve elements are positioned within the same valve body, with their respective valve seats integrated into the body wall. This nested arrangement allows both check valve and flow regulator functions to occupy the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the overall apparatus size compared to separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the check valve and flow regulator into a single integrated assembly with shared housing and mounting structure, the patent reduces the total volume required to accommodate both functions. The unified structure eliminates redundant housings, mounting brackets, and connection interfaces that would be required if separate components were used.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used, then fluid control functions are achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly can be manufactured as a single unit using casting or molding processes for the valve body, with valve elements and seats formed in-place or installed in a standardized manner. This reduces the number of assembly steps, alignment requirements, and sealing interfaces compared to assembling multiple separate components, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
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 apparatus, reduces size, and stabilizes fluid shut-off operations, allowing for efficient fluid supply and drainage control while maintaining a stable lowering speed of the fork.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid pressure acting on the on-off valve is introduced into the back pressure chamber. The on-off valve selectively opens and shuts off a communication path between the cylinder line and the switch valve line.
Implementation Method 2
A restrictor is formed between the flow control valve and a wall defining the valve support chamber. The restrictor connects the cylinder line and the communication path chamber to each other. An opening degree of the restrictor is changed in correspondence with movement of the flow control valve.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic control apparatus (1) includes a switch valve (11) , a valve support chamber (35) , a flow control valve (12) movable therein, an on-off valve (13) movable within a communication path chamber (12a) located inside the flow control valve (12)', and a valve control device 14. The on-off valve (13) can open and shut off a communication path X between a cylinder line (32) and a switch valve line (33) . A restrictor formed between the flow control valve (12) and a wall defining the valve support chamber (35) connects the cylinder line (32) and the communication path chamber (12a) . The restrictor opening is changed in correspondence with movement of the flow control valve (12) . When the switch valve (11) is located at the drainage position, the valve control device (14) applies a pilot pressure lower than the pressure in the cylinder line (32) to a back pressure chamber (12d) of the flow control valve (12) , thereby moving the on-off valve (13) in a direction for opening the communication path X.