Hydraulic Valve Decoupling via Regulator Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic arrangements with multiple valve devices face challenges in non-mutually coordinated actuation, where independent operation of valve devices can lead to interference, particularly when both devices are actuated with different variables simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control unit with a main regulator and an auxiliary regulator, each comprising a P block and an I block, allowing operation in normal and special modes, where the auxiliary valve is deactivated in normal mode and independently actuated in special mode, with the I block of the auxiliary regulator using the main setpoint and actual quantity to determine an integral component for the auxiliary actuating variable, ensuring non-interfering operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two valve devices are actuated independently with different variables simultaneously, then the actuating flexibility is improved, but the functions effected by the valve devices may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling between the two regulators where the I-block of the first regulator receives setpoint variables from both the P-block of the first regulator and the base-block of the second regulator. This intermediary information flow ensures coordinated actuation of both valve devices, preventing function interference while maintaining actuating flexibility through independent variable inputs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary valve device is independently actuated in special mode, then the operational versatility is improved, but the coordination with main valve device becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct regulators (main regulator with P and I blocks, auxiliary regulator with base and I blocks) that can operate independently or in coordination. The P-block handles proportional control while the I-block handles integral control, allowing the system to be divided into functional segments that can be activated separately for different operational modes, thereby managing complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal mode (auxiliary valve deactivated) and special mode (auxiliary valve independently actuated) based on operational requirements. The I-block of the auxiliary regulator dynamically receives setpoint variables from either the base-block only or from both the base-block and P-block, enabling flexible operational modes without permanent structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the I block of the auxiliary regulator uses main setpoint and actual quantity to determine integral component, then the leakage compensation is improved, but the coupling between regulators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leakage compensation function into the I-block of the auxiliary regulator by having it receive both the auxiliary setpoint and actual quantity from the base-block and the main setpoint and actual quantity from the P-block. This combining of information streams allows the auxiliary I-block to perform integrated leakage compensation for the entire hydraulic system, improving reliability while the modular regulator structure keeps the coupling manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydraulic actuator (1) that can be controlled by a main valve (2) and an auxiliary valve (3). Upstream of the main valve device (2) is a main regulator (7), having a P block (9) and an I block (10). Upstream of the auxiliary valve (3) is an auxiliary regulator (8), having a base block (11) and an I block (12). In a normal mode of operation, the auxiliary valve (3) is deactivated. The main regulator is provided with a main setpoint variable (p*) and a corresponding main actual quantity (p) of the hydraulic actuator (1). The main regulator (7) determines a main actuating variable (s) and predefines the main actuating variable (s) in the main valve device (2). In a special mode of operation, the base block (11) of the auxiliary regulator (8) is provided with an auxiliary setpoint variable (a*) and a corresponding auxiliary actual quantity (p) of the hydraulic actuator (1). The base block (11) of the auxiliary regulator (8) determines an auxiliary actuating variable (s′) and predefines the auxiliary actuating variable (s′) in the auxiliary valve device (3). The I block (12) of the auxiliary regulator (8) is provided with the main setpoint variable (p*) and the main actual quantity (p). The I block (12) of the auxiliary regulator (8) determines an integral component (si′) therefrom. The integral component (si′) is applied to the auxiliary actuating variable (s′). In the special mode of operation, the P block (9) is provided with the main setpoint variable (p*) and the main actual quantity (p). In the special mode of operation, the P-block (9) determines the main actuating variable (s) and predefines the main actuating variable (s) in the main valve device (2).