Hydraulic Non-Return Valve Mechanical Unlocking Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic check valves are either too complex, costly, or inefficiently designed, particularly in compact applications like solar generators, where they fail to facilitate simple mechanical unlocking and pressure equalization between piston sides.

Innovation Solution

A compact, cost-effective hydraulic check valve design featuring a one-piece closing element with a projection that mechanically unlocks by applying force, using axial guides and a cup-like insert to prevent chattering and ensure reliable sealing, allowing pressure equalization between piston sides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a traditional hydraulic check valve design is used, then the non-return function is achieved, but the valve is too long in the longitudinal direction and complex to produce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve lengthVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide section and guide shaft are merged into a single one-piece closing element, eliminating the need for separate guide components. The cup-like insert combines axial guides for both the guide section and guide shaft, as well as forming the abutment for the valve closing spring, reducing the number of parts and simplifying production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cup-like insert serves multiple functions: it provides axial guides for the guide section and guide shaft, forms an abutment for the valve closing spring, and creates sealing surfaces with the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the valve assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a projection is added for mechanical unlocking, then simple mechanical unlocking is enabled, but the valve structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical unlocking easeVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection is integrated as one piece with the closing element, forming a single component rather than a separate part. This eliminates the need for additional fastening or assembly steps while maintaining the mechanical unlocking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If axial guides are provided for the guide section and guide shaft, then valve chattering and vibrations are prevented, but the valve structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve operation stabilityVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cup-like insert provides axial guides for both the guide section and guide shaft simultaneously, as well as forming the abutment for the valve closing spring. This multi-functional design provides necessary guidance and stability without requiring separate guide components for each element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Length of moving object

If the valve is designed to be compact, then space is saved, but the valve may be insufficiently sealed against the thread area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve lengthVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge acts as an intermediary sealing element between the valve body and the thread area. The compressed O-ring provides additional sealing as a backup, ensuring reliable sealing even in the compact design where the valve body may not make absolute contact with the thread.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables simple mechanical unlocking and reliable operation, preventing damage from high unlocking forces and ensuring efficient flow conditions, while maintaining a compact and inexpensive design, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a valve closing spring (15), which acts on the closing element in the closing direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an O-ring (24), which is knotted in a receiving groove formed by the cup wall (21) of the insert (16) and a sealing cutting edge (44)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

The guide section (9) cooperates with the axial guide ridges (17) with a slight sliding fit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2628960B1Hydraulic non-return valve
Publication Date: 2014.01.15 HAWE HYDRAULIK SE
  • EP2628960B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2628960B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The hydraulic non return valve (R) has a check side channel (4) and flowpath limiting axial guide units (17,20) that are provided in a housing portion (1). A guide shaft (11) is provided at a closing element (7). One-piece projection structure (13) is arranged on a seal surface coaxial to the guide shaft for mechanical unlocking of the closing element through a valve seat (3). An annular space (42) is limited in the valve seat towards an adjacent end of the housing portion.