Hydraulic Fluid Valve Using Pressure Differential for Large Stroke Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proportional fluid valves face challenges in achieving large strokes while maintaining a compact and lightweight design, as well as controlling high flow rates with limited electrical current, due to the need for large solenoid actuators and increased weight and size.
Innovation Solution
A fluid valve design featuring a hollow valve body with a ferromagnetic mobile driver and valve member, where the solenoid electric actuator surrounds the valve member, allowing for a large stroke with minimal driver displacement and reduced weight by utilizing a pressure difference between cavities to induce displacement forces, thereby reducing the size and current requirements of the solenoid actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the stroke of the valve member is increased to control larger flow rates, then the flow rate control capability is improved, but the mass of the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure differences between two cavities to actuate the valve member. The first cavity receives fluid under pressure through a restricted communication, creating a pressure differential that moves the valve member. This hydraulic actuation mechanism enables large stroke movement without requiring a proportionally large solenoid actuator, thus achieving high flow rate control capability while limiting the mass of the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pressure distribution by introducing a restricted communication to the first cavity. This restriction creates a pressure differential between the first and second cavities, which is the key parameter driving the valve member's large stroke movement. By controlling pressure parameters rather than relying solely on direct mechanical force from a large actuator, the valve achieves large stroke with reduced mass.
2Force
If the size of the solenoid actuator is increased to move larger mobile elements, then the force capability is improved, but the current required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic amplification where a small force from the solenoid actuator creates a pressure differential in the first cavity. This pressure differential, acting on the larger surface area of the valve member, generates a large actuating force. The restricted communication to the first cavity amplifies the pressure effect, enabling a small-current solenoid to control a large-stroke valve member with high force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force generation mechanism from direct solenoid-to-driver force transmission to indirect pressure-differential-based force generation. By introducing the restricted communication and creating pressure differential between cavities, the system transforms the force parameter: a small electromagnetic force on the driver creates a large hydraulic force on the valve member, reducing the current required while maintaining force capability.
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
Enables precise control of large flow rates with a compact and lightweight valve, reducing the need for a powerful solenoid actuator and minimizing power consumption while maintaining accurate control over the valve member's position.
Implementation Method 1
an solenoid electric actuator located in the hollow of the hollow valve body and comprising a ferromagnetic mobile driver
Implementation Method 2
By injecting an electric current into the solenoid actuator, a driver called a push pin can be moved from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 3
the fluid valve is configured such that a relative displacement between said mobile driver and said valve member is capable of modifying a communication between said longitudinal cavity and said first cavity via said at least one side opening
Implementation Method 4
modifying the position of the driver, modifies the pressures around the valve member, causing it to actuate
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid valve for a hydraulic circuit of an aircraft includes a valve body with an inlet and two outlets. The valve further includes a solenoid electric actuator with a ferromagnetic mobile driver and a valve member having a ferromagnetic portion/ The valve member is movable within the valve body along a main direction and has first and second ends that define first and second cavities, respectively, on opposite sides of the valve member. A longitudinal cavity extends through the valve member parallel to the main direction and opens into the second cavity. Relative displacement between the mobile driver and the valve member modifies a communication between the longitudinal cavity and the first cavity via a side opening that is perpendicular to the main direction.