Hydraulic Valve Regulating Screw Torque Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic regulators and valves lack a controlled overload range and fail to provide clear signaling for different adjustment ranges, making it difficult for users to accurately set and monitor the preload of compression springs, which can lead to potential damage from overloading.

Innovation Solution

The hydraulic apparatus introduces a regulating screw with two distinct adjustment ranges, differing in torque requirements, and incorporates an optical and haptic indicator to signal torque changes, allowing for precise preload setting and overload detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a regulating screw is used to set the preload of the compression spring, then the preload can be adjusted, but it is difficult for users to accurately estimate and monitor the current preload setting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreload settingVSAvoidpreload estimation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by providing visual indicators (markings on the regulating screw or housing) and haptic feedback (changes in torque resistance) that inform the user about the current preload setting and adjustment range, transforming an open-loop adjustment into a closed-loop process with observable state information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical estimation method with a combined mechanical-optical-haptic system where visual markers and torque feedback mechanisms supplement the mechanical adjustment, allowing users to precisely determine preload settings without relying on experience-based estimation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the maximum preload is defined by a hard abutment of the regulating screw, then the maximum settable preload is fixed, but the system cannot operate in a controlled overload range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem protectionVSAvoidoverload range operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the adjustment range of the regulating screw into multiple distinct ranges (normal operating range and controlled overload range) with different torque characteristics and visual indicators, allowing the system to provide both protection against excessive overload while permitting temporary controlled overload operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the system dynamically adaptable by allowing the regulating screw to traverse different operational zones with different torque requirements and indicator states, enabling the system to switch between protective mode and controlled overload mode based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the regulating screw provides only a single continuous adjustment range, then the structure is simple, but there is no clear signaling to distinguish different adjustment ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulating screw structureVSAvoidadjustment range signaling

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual indicators (such as colored markings or position indicators) to differentiate between adjustment ranges, providing clear visual information to users about which range is active without adding mechanical complexity to the regulating screw itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

This solution enables users to set and monitor the preload more accurately, allowing for temporary operation in a permitted overload range while preventing damage by providing clear haptic feedback and visual indicators, enhancing the safety and efficiency of hydraulic system operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one compression spring acting on the at least one control spool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

at least one externally accessible regulating screw is adjustable within the housing bore to set the preload of the compression spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The two adjustment ranges differ from one another in that the torque to be applied there is different for the actuation of the regulating screw. This change of the torque to be applied is preferably caused solely by friction caused between the regulating screw and the housing bore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10837467B2Hydraulic apparatus, in particular hydraulic valve or hydraulic regulator

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 LIEBHERR MACHINES BULLE

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hydraulic apparatus, in particular to a hydraulic valve or to a hydraulic regulator, having a housing, at least one piston axially displaceably supported in a housing bore, and a respective at least one compression spring acting on the at least one piston, wherein at least one externally accessible regulating screw is adjustable within the housing bore to set the preload of the compression spring in the axial direction, wherein the adjustment distance of the at least one regulating screw is divided into at least two adjustment ranges and the torque to be applied for the adjustment of the regulating screw is larger in a second adjustment range than in a first adjustment range.