Hydraulic Control Assembly for Single-Cycle Double-Acting Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-operated control devices for double-acting actuators fail to perform a complete single cycle of strokes with a single delivery of working fluid, control loads in both directions, and manage pressure peaks effectively, leading to potential mechanical damage from excessive stress and unwanted pressure variations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-operated assembly with a main device and an auxiliary device, incorporating overcenter valves, a distributor device, and an overpressure valve, which allows for a pre-set sequence of strokes in double-acting actuators, enabling gradual flow direction switching, load control, and pressure management to prevent mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional fluid-operated control device is used, then the system structure is simple, but it fails to perform a complete single cycle of strokes with a single delivery of working fluid and cannot control loads in both directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (flow direction switching, load control in both directions, pressure management) into a single integrated fluid-operated assembly. The main device and auxiliary device work together as one unit, sharing common components like the spool, springs, and hydraulic fluid, while collectively achieving complete stroke cycle control that conventional separate devices cannot accomplish.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-operated assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls flow direction switching between actuators, manages loads in both extension and retraction directions, and regulates pressure peaks. This multi-functionality is achieved through the coordinated interaction of the main device and auxiliary device components within a single assembly.
2Reliability
If conventional control devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but they cannot manage pressure peaks effectively leading to mechanical damage from excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic system and the actuators, specifically managing pressure peaks through its dedicated pressure control chamber and spring mechanism. This intermediary component protects the system from excessive stress by regulating pressure before it reaches the actuators, preventing mechanical damage while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pressure control mechanism in the auxiliary device provides beforehand cushioning against pressure peaks. The spring is pre-compressed to a predetermined force, creating a cushioning effect that absorbs and mitigates pressure surges before they can cause mechanical damage to the actuators or other system components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional control devices are used, then the structure is simple, but they cause unwanted pressure variations leading to oscillations and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the interconnected pressure control chambers and spring mechanisms in both the main and auxiliary devices. The springs provide continuous force feedback that counteracts pressure variations, while the hydraulic connections allow pressure information to be transmitted between chambers, creating a self-regulating system that maintains pressure stability and prevents oscillations.
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 assembly efficiently performs a complete cycle of strokes with a single hydraulic fluid delivery, controls loads in both directions, and manages pressure peaks, ensuring reliability, safety, and durability by preventing oscillations and external stress-induced damage.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating overcenter valves, a distributor device, and an overpressure valve, which allows for a pre-set sequence of strokes in double-acting actuators, enabling gradual flow direction switching
Implementation Method 2
an overpressure valve, which allows for a pre-set sequence of strokes in double-acting actuators, enabling gradual flow direction switching, load control, and pressure management to prevent mechanical damage
Implementation Method 3
oil hydraulics is a technique for transmitting mechanical energy by means of pressurised hydraulic fluids, typically consisting of natural and/or synthetic oils
Implementation Method 4
mechanical energy is transformed into hydraulic energy, which the utilisation unit, consisting of actuators of different types, transforms back into mechanical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid operated assembly for controlling double-acting actuators has a first overcenter valve having its inlet connected to a distributor device by means of a first connection branch and its outlet connectable to a first chamber of at least one main fluid dynamic cylinder, and a second overcenter valve, having its inlet connected to the distributor device by means of a second connection branch and its outlet connectable to a second chamber of the main fluid dynamic cylinder; the first overcenter valve being controllable by means of a first pilot branch connected to the second connection branch; the second overcenter valve being controllable by means of a second pilot branch connected to the first connection branch; the distributor device further comprises a first piloted check valve, having its inlet removably connected to the distributor device by means of the first connection branch and its outlet connectable to a first chamber of at least one auxiliary fluid dynamic cylinder, and a second piloted check valve, having its inlet removably connected to the distributor device by means of the second connection branch, with the interposition of a sequence valve, and its outlet connectable to a second chamber of the auxiliary fluid dynamic cylinder; the distributor device is adapted to control the operative interconnection between the first connection branch, the second connection branch, a hydraulic fluid delivery branch and a hydraulic fluid return branch, in order to regulate the movement of the main fluid dynamic cylinder and of the auxiliary fluid dynamic cylinder, so as to automatically execute a predefined work cycle.