Hydraulic Pilot Control for Sequential Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex electronic controls are typically required for coordinating main control valves in multi-circuit hydraulic systems supplied with high pressure from a common source, necessitating a simpler and more reliable system.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with a hydraulic pilot control system and main control valves designed to open in a specific sequence, utilizing different mechanical and hydraulic designs, such as varying spring forces, valve rods, and counter-pressures, to implement a cascade connection without electronic switching logic, allowing for sequential operation of main control valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex electronic controls are used to coordinate main control valves in multi-circuit hydraulic systems, then the coordination and regulation of pressure supply is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely hydraulic pilot control system. The main control valves are actuated by hydraulic pilot pressures that are mechanically generated through the hydraulic circuit itself, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, controllers, and wiring while achieving reliable coordination of multiple main control valves in parallel circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is designed to be self-regulating through internal pressure feedback mechanisms. The pilot control system automatically generates the necessary control pressures from the system's own hydraulic power source, allowing the system to coordinate its own main control valves without external electronic control, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
2Power
If multiple hydraulic supplies supply a common consumer or a common hydraulic supply supplies multiple circuits, then the power distribution is improved, but the coordination requirement increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydraulic system into separate parallel circuits, each with its own main control valve that can be independently actuated by the pilot control system. This segmentation allows multiple circuits to be supplied from a common hydraulic source while maintaining independent control over each circuit's power distribution, avoiding the need for complex coordination electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot control system acts as an intermediary between the common hydraulic power source and the multiple main control valves. It generates intermediate pilot pressures that automatically regulate the opening and closing of each main control valve based on system conditions, thereby simplifying the coordination of power distribution across multiple circuits without requiring direct electronic control
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 design enables a simpler and more reliable system for controlling main control valves, ensuring they open at different times and pressures, optimizing hydraulic system operation and reducing complexity, while maintaining efficient power distribution across consumers.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two main control valves can be equipped with springs of different spring forces, so that the main control valves open at different control pressures due to the different spring forces
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the main control valves can be subjected to a back pressure that counteracts the control pressure
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the main control valves is actuated via a pressure reducing valve, the output pressure of which is controlled by the control pressure for another main control valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The system has a hydraulic pilot system for controlling main control valves (2, 3). The pilot system and/or the valves are designed such that the valves are successively opened. The valves comprise valve springs (6, 7) with different spring forces for opening the valves at different control pressures. The valves include different valve rods and/or valve housings for opening the valves at different strokes. The valves are subjected with counter pressure, which counteracts actuating pressure, where the counter pressure is constant.