Hydraulic Valve Parameter Backup for Seamless Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for operating hydraulic systems with multiple valves are time-consuming and require special equipment, especially when dealing with parameter setup and backup, which can lead to data loss during memory damage or valve replacement.

Innovation Solution

A method where each valve in a group stores its parameters in both primary and secondary memory, allowing for backup and easy transfer between valves, using unique addresses for identification and utilizing microcontrollers to manage parameter storage and transfer via a bus, ensuring parameters are maintained even during memory issues or valve replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If parameters are stored only in the primary memory of each valve, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor because data is lost during memory damage or valve replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter data retentionVSAvoidmemory structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a backup memory in a different valve that stores a copy of the parameter set from another valve. This copying mechanism ensures that if the primary memory of a valve is damaged or the valve is replaced, the parameters can be restored from the backup memory of another valve in the group, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If special equipment is used for parameter setup and backup, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setup accuracyVSAvoidservice work efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs backup of parameter sets from one valve to another valve's backup memory without requiring external special equipment. The valves self-manage the parameter backup and restoration process through their integrated memory systems and communication bus, eliminating the need for specialized service equipment and reducing service time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The backup memory is pre-configured and ready to receive parameter sets before any damage or replacement occurs. The system maintains continuous or periodic backups, so when a valve needs replacement or memory repair, the parameters are already available in the backup memory, eliminating time-consuming parameter reconfiguration during service work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If parameters are stored in secondary memory of another valve, then the loss of information is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to distributed storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter backupVSAvoidmemory distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each valve in the group is designed with universal functionality to serve both as a primary operational valve and as a backup storage unit for other valves. The backup memory in each valve can store parameter sets from any other valve in the group, making the system flexible and reducing the need for dedicated backup devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2811173B2A hydraulic system and a method for operating a hydraulic system
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS APS
  • EP2811173B2 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A hydraulic system (1) is provided comprising a group of at least two valves (2a, 2b, 2c) connected to a bus (8), each of said valves (2a, 2b, 2c) comprising a primary memory (9a, 9b, 9c) for storing a set of parameters of the valve (2a, 2b, 2c). The service work of such a hydraulic system should be facilitated. To this end each valve (2a, 2b, 2c) comprises a secondary memory (10a, 10b, 10c) storing said set of parameters of a different valve (2b, 2c, 2a) of said group.