Hydraulic Control Module Layout for Balanced Flow and Fire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic control modules experience asymmetrical loads and vibration issues due to unbalanced construction, and require additional fireproof shielding, which increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The control module features valves positioned around the circumference of the tank with circumferential passages and a housing that integrates the tank and manifold, using additive manufacturing to create a balanced, lightweight, and heat-resistant structure with reduced components, including a single-piece housing and circumferential fluid passages that eliminate the need for a separate fire shield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional control modules use a tank mechanically linked to a manifold with physical separation, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but asymmetrical loads and vibrations occur due to unbalanced construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tank and manifold into a single integrated control module housing. The housing contains both the fluid storage tank and the manifold with valves, eliminating the need for separate mechanical linkages and physical separations. This integration creates a balanced, symmetrical structure that reduces asymmetrical loads and vibrations while simplifying the overall construction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate fire shield surrounds the tank, then fire protection is provided, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire shield is integrated into the housing structure that already contains the tank and manifold. The housing serves dual purposes: it provides the structural framework for the hydraulic components and simultaneously acts as the fire protective shield. This eliminates the need for a separate fire shield, reducing weight and simplifying the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains the hydraulic fluid tank, houses the manifold and valves, provides structural support, and acts as the fire protective shield. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces overall weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If valves are positioned asymmetrically in the control module, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but asymmetrical loads occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately employs symmetrical positioning of valves around the tank circumference rather than asymmetrical placement. The valves are arranged at evenly spaced intervals (e.g., 90 degrees apart) to create a balanced, symmetrical structure that distributes loads evenly and eliminates asymmetrical vibrations, while the additive manufacturing process makes this complex symmetrical arrangement easy to manufacture.
4Loss of energy
If conventional passages are used for fluid distribution, then the structure is simple, but pressure losses are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses circumferential passages that follow curved paths around the tank rather than straight or angular passages. These curved passages reduce flow separation and turbulence, minimizing pressure losses. The passages are integrated into the housing and follow the circumferential geometry of the tank, creating smooth fluid flow paths.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
There is provided a control module for a hydraulic system. The module comprises a tank and a plurality of valves. The tank is configured to store hydraulic fluid and is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of valves fluidly connect with the tank and are configured to control distribution of hydraulic fluid from the tank to one or more components of the system. The plurality of valves are spaced around a circumference of the tank. One or more passages fluidly connect the tank with at least one of the plurality of valves and/or a first of the plurality of valves with a second of the plurality of valves.