Hydraulic Suspension Valve Layout for Smooth Pressure Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating apparatuses for fluidically drivable loads are complex in design, leading to increased costs, reduced dynamics, and potential instability in operation.
Innovation Solution
The actuating apparatus features a simplified suspension device with a single valve control device, connecting an accumulator device to the load via a fluid path, reducing the number of valves, fluid lines, and connections, while maintaining high operational reliability and improving dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple valves and fluid lines are used to control accumulator pressure and load suspension, then pressure control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple valves (switching valve, control valve, logic elements) into a single integrated valve control device. This valve has a valve body with multiple ports and a valve piston that can simultaneously control fluid connections between the accumulator device, load, and tank, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining full pressure control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve control device performs multiple functions: it acts as both a switching valve for establishing/blocking fluid connections and as a control valve for regulating accumulator pressure. The valve piston can be positioned to simultaneously manage suspension pressure and accumulator charging/discharging, making one component perform the work of several traditional components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple valves and control elements are used, then pressure control is achieved, but the number of components and connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single valve control device with a valve body containing multiple ports (P, T, A, B, and accumulator ports) and a valve piston that controls fluid flow paths between these ports. This integration reduces the number of separate valves, fluid lines, and connections required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into multiple functional zones with dedicated ports for different functions (pressure supply, tank connection, load chambers A and B, accumulator connection). The valve piston segments the fluid paths, allowing independent control of different fluid connections through its position, thereby managing complexity through functional segmentation within a unified structure.
3Reliability
If accumulator pressure is relieved through multiple logic elements and control valves, then pressure matching is achieved, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control device enables continuous pressure equalization between the accumulator and load by allowing the valve piston to be positioned in intermediate positions, not just discrete on/off states. This continuous adjustability allows for smooth, progressive pressure matching without the stepwise delays associated with multiple discrete logic elements and switching valves, thereby reducing pressure equalization time while maintaining stability.
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 simplified design results in a cost-effective, dynamically improved actuating apparatus with enhanced operational reliability, capable of gradual pressure equalization and balanced suspension pressures, preventing jump-like movements that could affect machine stability.
Implementation Method 1
the accumulator pressure ps of the accumulator device (16) and the load-holding suspension pressure pa in the actuator (10)
Implementation Method 2
The second logic element is used to establish or block a fluid connection between a working chamber of the actuator device and the accumulator device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuation device for at least one fluidically drivable load (10), such as a hydraulic actuator, consisting of at least one valve controller (V1) for controlling an alternating movement of each load (10) and at least one suspension device (14) which is connected between the valve controller (V1) and each load (10), wherein the suspension device (14) has an additional valve controller (V2), the valve piston (20) of which can be moved in a corresponding valve housing in a continuously adjustable manner. The invention is characterized in that a storage device (16) of the suspension device (14) is connected to the respective load (10) via a fluid path by means of the additional valve controller (V2) in a suspension position (V2.IV) of the valve piston (20) of the additional valve controller (V2).