Hydraulic Power Tool Return Valve for Precise Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic power tools lack efficient mechanisms for controlling pressure and releasing the piston to optimize crimping or cutting operations, leading to inaccuracies and reduced tool durability due to pressure overshoots.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a rotary return valve system with a valve actuator and a control system to manage pressure within the cylinder, allowing precise control of piston movement and quick-release mechanisms for tool head attachment and detachment without external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional hydraulic system is used without a rotary return valve, then the structure is simpler, but pressure control accuracy deteriorates and pressure overshoot occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The return valve is designed to rotate dynamically based on pressure conditions. When pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold, the valve rotates to the open position to relieve pressure; when pressure is below the threshold, it rotates to the closed position to maintain pressure. This dynamic rotation mechanism enables automatic pressure control without complex electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system uses its own pressure to control the rotation of the return valve. The high-pressure hydraulic fluid automatically actuates the valve to open when pressure exceeds the threshold, and the valve closes when pressure drops below the threshold. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the piston is held in position during crimping/cutting operations, then operational accuracy is improved, but tool wear increases and operational cycles are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pressure cycling through the rotary return valve. During each operational cycle, the valve remains closed to maintain pressure for accurate crimping or cutting. After the operation is complete, the valve rotates to open, allowing rapid pressure release and piston retraction. This periodic opening and closing enables repeated operational cycles while maintaining accuracy during each operation.
3Speed
If pressure is released quickly after crimping/cutting, then operational speed is improved, but pressure control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary return valve acts as an intermediary between the high-pressure hydraulic system and the atmosphere. It provides a controlled pathway for pressure release, transitioning from a closed state (maintaining pressure accuracy) to an open state (enabling rapid pressure release). This intermediary mechanism reconciles the conflicting requirements of pressure control accuracy and operational speed.
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
Enhances operational accuracy, reduces tool wear, and increases the number of operational cycles by precisely controlling pressure and facilitating easy tool head changes, thereby improving crimping and cutting quality and tool durability.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for transferring hydraulic fluid in the reservoir to the cylinder, causing the piston to move from the retracted position toward the extended position
Implementation Method 2
a return valve defining a rotational axis and positioned between the cylinder and the reservoir, and a valve actuator driven by the pump for opening the return valve, thereby fluidly communicating the cylinder and the reservoir, in response to a predetermined pressure being reached in the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic power tool includes a housing defining a cylinder, a piston at least partially positioned within the cylinder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a clevis supporting a head of the power tool, a nut coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the clevis, and a collar coupled to the housing and surrounding the nut to axially constrain the nut between the collar and the housing while permitting relative rotation between the collar and the nut.