Integrated Hydraulic Valve Body for Multi-Actuator Floating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic valve bodies are limited in their ability to independently control multiple actuators and manage pressure shocks, which can lead to damage and do not allow for a 'floating position' necessary for optimal operation of heavy machinery like plows, where side guards are free to swing uncontrollably.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic valve body with a simplified design that eliminates the need for hose installations between valves, using two main lines, outlet fittings, inlet fittings, and cartridge chambers with independent control elements like solenoid valves to manage pressure flows, allowing for control of multiple actuators with fewer components and enabling a 'floating position' by using only three external control elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valve bodies are used to control multiple actuators independently, then each actuator can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and number of hose installations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body that includes multiple cartridge chambers (first cartridge chamber, second cartridge chamber, third cartridge chamber) housing independent control elements. This merging approach allows multiple actuators to be controlled independently while reducing the overall number of separate valve bodies and hose installations required in the hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal component that can control multiple different actuators through its multiple cartridge chambers and control elements. Each cartridge chamber can accommodate different control elements (solenoid valves, safety valves, non-return valves) to handle various control requirements for different actuators, making the valve body adaptable to multiple functions.
2Reliability
If safety valves and non-return valves are added to manage pressure shocks, then actuator protection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates safety valves and non-return valves within the same valve body structure alongside other control elements. The first cartridge chamber houses a solenoid valve and safety valve, while the second cartridge chamber contains a non-return valve and another solenoid valve. This merging of protective functions into the main valve body provides actuator protection without requiring separate external valve installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body acts as an intermediary structure that incorporates multiple protective and control functions. By placing safety valves, non-return valves, and control elements within the same integrated body, the system manages pressure shocks and protects actuators while maintaining a compact design that reduces overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a floating position is implemented for actuators controlling heavy machinery, then operational flexibility improves, but control precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a floating position capability through the third cartridge chamber that can be controlled by a control element to allow actuators to move freely in certain positions. This dynamic control feature enables the actuator to transition between fixed controlled positions and a floating position where it can move independently, providing operational flexibility for heavy machinery applications while maintaining control stability when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic valve body (100), comprising two main lines (P1, P2) for bringing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the body's channel system and further out of the channel system. The body further comprises at least two outlet fittings (C1, D1) for conducting hydraulic fluid from the body's channel system to actuators (E1, E2) and two respective inlet fittings (C2, D2) for conducting hydraulic fluid from the actuators (E1, E2) back into the channel system.