Hydraulic Flow Control Valve for Independent Actuator Flow Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow control valves in hydraulic machines lack independent control over the flow rate of fluid supplied to and returned from actuators, leading to inefficiencies and limited controllability, with priority valves causing pressure drops and fuel inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A flow control valve design featuring a spool and flow rate control mechanism that allows independent regulation of fluid flow to and from actuators, using a valve body with specific seat surfaces and a flow rate control valve to manage fluid passages, enabling precise flow rate control and improved controllability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If notches are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the spool to control fluid flow, then the actuator can operate smoothly without impacts, but independent regulation of flow rate to and from the actuator becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth actuator operationVSAvoidindependent flow rate regulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the fluid control function into separate components: the spool with notches handles the smooth operation function, while a dedicated flow control valve handles the independent flow rate regulation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between smooth operation and independent regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow control valve acts as an intermediary component between the fluid supply and the actuator, providing independent flow rate control without interfering with the spool's smooth operation function. This mediator enables both functions to coexist without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a priority valve is used to restrict fluid flow and preferentially supply fluid to another flow control valve, then fluid can be directed to specific actuators, but pressure drop occurs and fuel efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow prioritizationVSAvoidpressure drop and fuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the control parameter from pressure-based priority valves to flow rate-based control. By controlling the flow rate directly through the flow control valve rather than restricting pressure through a priority valve, the system achieves fluid prioritization without the harmful pressure drops and energy losses associated with orifice-based priority valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single fluid supply serves multiple actuators, then the system structure is simplified, but actuators experiencing high pressure cannot receive the intended amount of fluid until lower pressure actuators complete their work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid supply structureVSAvoidactuator work completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic flow rate control through the flow control valve, allowing the system to adaptively adjust fluid distribution to multiple actuators in real-time. This dynamic control enables high-pressure actuators to receive the required fluid flow immediately without waiting for low-pressure actuators to complete their cycles, thereby improving productivity while maintaining a relatively simple single-fluid-supply structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances machine controllability and fuel efficiency by allowing accurate flow rate control to actuators, preventing flow rate imbalances and pressure drops, thereby improving overall hydraulic system performance.

Implementation Method 1

a flow rate control valve configured to be located on the first fluid passage to regulate a flow rate of fluid flowing through the first fluid passage. At a second point in time at which the flow of fluid from the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage is initiated, an area of a gap between the first seat surface and the spool on a plane taken in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, may be 5% ̃50%, preferably 10% ̃20% of an area of an opening defined by the first seat surface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control through gap area regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11286962B2Flow control valve and hydraulic machine including the same

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB

AI summary

A flow control valve includes a valve body having an inner circumferential surface defining a longitudinal bore to which first and second fluid passages are connected. A spool is slidably inserted into the bore to allow a flow of fluid from the first to second fluid passage. A valve regulates a flow rate of fluid flowing through the first fluid passage. A first seat surface is defined between an area in which the first fluid passage is connected to the bore and an area in which the second fluid passage is connected to the bore. When the flow of fluid from the first to second fluid passage is initiated, an area of a gap between the first seat surface and the spool on a plane taken in a transverse direction is 5%˜50%, preferably 10%˜20% of an area of an opening defined by the first seat surface.