Compact Hydraulic Steering with Integrated Priority Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic steering systems for heavy vehicles are bulky and costly due to the need for additional valves and fluid lines, which increase size and leakage risks, while combined solutions with a priority valve do not significantly reduce overall dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic pressure supply port, low pressure port, and two steering connection ports are arranged on the same side of the housing, with the priority valve integrated adjacent to these ports, allowing for a compact design by utilizing the existing housing space efficiently and minimizing fluid flow distance, thereby reducing pressure losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a priority valve is connected to a single pump via a hydraulic pressure supply port to supply both the hydraulic steering unit and the implement, then both components can be supplied with hydraulic fluid from the same pump, but the size and cost of the hydraulic steering increases due to additional valves and fluid lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the priority valve and hydraulic steering unit into a single integrated housing, eliminating the need for separate valve assemblies and reducing the overall system size. The priority valve is positioned within the same housing as the steering unit, with fluid passages directly connecting the two components, thereby consolidating what would otherwise be separate hydraulic systems into one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions: it contains both the priority valve and hydraulic steering unit, provides fluid passages connecting all components, and acts as a single assembly that can be installed as one unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate valve housings and reduces the number of external fluid connections required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional valves and fluid lines are introduced to supply both steering unit and implement, then both components can be supplied with hydraulic fluid, but the risk of fluid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the priority valve within the same housing as the hydraulic steering unit, the patent reduces the number of external fluid connections and sealing points required. The fluid passages are formed as integral parts of the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate tubing and connections between separate valve assemblies, thereby reducing potential leakage points.
3Device complexity
If the rotational axis of the steering valve is parallel to the stroke direction of the priority valve, then the combined hydraulic steering unit and priority valve can be housed in the same housing, but the overall size remains almost the same as two separate units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the priority valve such that its stroke direction is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the steering valve, rather than parallel. This orthogonal arrangement allows the components to be stacked or arranged in three-dimensional space more efficiently, utilizing vertical or lateral space within the housing rather than requiring linear arrangement along a single axis, thereby reducing the overall envelope dimensions.
4Volume of stationary object
If four ports are arranged on the same side of the housing with the priority valve adjacent to them, then the overall dimensions of the housing are reduced, but the priority valve must be precisely positioned to minimize flow distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the priority valve in a specific location within the housing that is optimally close to the four ports (hydraulic pressure supply port, low pressure port, and two steering connection ports). The housing is designed with integrated fluid passages that directly connect these ports to the priority valve, eliminating the need for long external fluid lines. This localized arrangement minimizes flow distance and pressure losses while maintaining a compact overall housing dimensions.
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 configuration results in a more compact hydraulic steering system that maintains the advantages of combined units without the bulkiness, suitable for applications where space is limited, while ensuring reliable fluid supply to both the steering unit and external implements.
Implementation Method 1
the priority valve distributes hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pressure supply port between the hydraulic steering unit and the excess flow port
Implementation Method 2
priority valve is arranged adjacent to the four ports hydraulic pressure supply port, the low pressure port and the two steering connection ports with two of the four ports on either side of the priority valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydraulic steering (1) comprising a hydraulic steering unit (2) and a priority valve (3). The hydraulic steering unit (2) and the priority valve (3) are arranged in a common housing (9). The hydraulic steering (1) comprises a hydraulic pressure supply port (P), a low pressure port (T), two steering connection ports (L, R) and an excess flow port (EF) to supply an external implement. The priority valve (3) distributes hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pressure supply port (P) between the hydraulic steering unit (2) and the excess flow port (EF). The task of the invention is to provide a more compact hydraulic steering. To this end the hydraulic pressure supply port (P), the low pressure port (T) and the two steering connection ports (L, R) all enter on the same side of the housing (9), and the priority valve (3) is arranged adjacent to the four ports hydraulic pressure supply port (P), the low pressure port (T) and the two steering connection ports (L, R) with two of the four ports (P, T, L, R) on either side of the priority valve (3).