Hydraulic Valve Arrangement with Annular Check Valve Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydraulic systems for engine operation require separate check valves and solenoid-operated valves, increasing system complexity due to additional components needed for fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a check valve into the solenoid-operated valve using a resilient annular band with a stop mechanism to limit contraction, ensuring the band remains captivated in the annular recess and maintains fluid flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate check valve is connected in a conduit coupled to an inlet or outlet of a solenoid operated valve, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the number of parts to connect together increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the check valve and solenoid operated valve into a single integrated valve body. The check valve element is positioned within the same valve body as the solenoid operated valve, eliminating the need for separate check valve components and their associated connections. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining both fluid flow control functions.
2Productivity
If the annular band contracts under pressure to open the check valve, then fluid flow is enabled, but the band diameter may become smaller than the bore diameter causing the valve to become stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a stop mechanism that prevents the annular band from contracting beyond a certain point. The stop is positioned to limit the minimum diameter of the annular band, ensuring it never becomes smaller than the bore diameter. This preliminary constraint prevents the harmful effect of the valve becoming stuck, while still allowing sufficient contraction to enable fluid flow when needed.
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
Simplifies the hydraulic system by reducing the number of components, preventing fluid backflow, and ensuring reliable operation across varying pressure differentials.
Implementation Method 1
An annular band is moveably received in the annular recess. The annular band is formed by a strip that has a first end and a second end which overlap in a manner that allows the circumference of the band to contract and expand. In a normal state, the annular band is expanded circumferentially and diametrically against a wall of the annular recess and closes fluid communication between the first fluid port and the bore. In another state, pressure in the fluid port causes contraction of the band away from the wall, thereby providing a fluid path between the fluid port and the bore.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 6~13
AI summary
A valve arrangement includes a valve body (20) with a bore (21) within which a spool (44) slides to control fluid flow between first and second ports. The bore has an annular recess (29) into which the first port opens and in which is located a check valve band (83) formed by a strip with overlapping ends. Pressure in the first port causes the check valve band to contract and expand circumferentially to open and close the first port. A stop (95,114,214,312) is located near one end of the strip and is engaged by the other end to limit the amount of contraction of the check valve band. Thus the diameter of the check valve band cannot contract smaller than the diameter of the bore, thereby retaining the check valve ring in the annular recess. The check valve band optionally has a plurality of tabs (88) projecting from each edge and engaging side walls of the annular recess.