Hydraulic Control Valve Visual Tags for Fast Connector Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solenoid-actuated hydraulic control valves with similar appearances pose challenges in identification, leading to time-consuming connections to mating electrical connectors, as existing identification methods like colored tape can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A visual identification system featuring removable indicator members with unique graphical or color codes mounted to the control valve cartridge assembly and electro-magnetic actuator, allowing for distinct identification of different valve configurations without adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If colored tape is wrapped around the coil to identify each solenoid-actuated hydraulic control valve, then visual identification is provided, but the tape may eventually lose its adhesive characteristic and become detached
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into modular components: a mounting member integrated into the valve assembly and separate indicator members that can be attached or removed. This eliminates the need for continuous adhesive bonding while maintaining reliable identification throughout the valve's service life.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently configured valves are mounted to a hydraulic manifold, then system functionality is enhanced, but it becomes time consuming and difficult to connect the valves to the respective mating electrical connector
Solution Approach 1:
Different valve configurations are identified through distinct color codes on the indicator members. This visual coding system allows assembly personnel to quickly identify and connect the correct valve to the appropriate mating electrical connector, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining the ability to handle multiple valve configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification system uses simplified visual indicators (color-coded tags) that represent complex valve configurations. Instead of requiring detailed inspection of each valve's internal structure, the color codes provide an easily recognizable copy or representation of the valve's identity and required connections.
3Ease of operation
If a visual identification system with removable indicator members is implemented, then ease of identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator members are designed as simple, inexpensive, removable tags or labels rather than permanent integrated components. These can be easily attached and removed without requiring complex mechanisms, providing enhanced identification ease while adding minimal complexity to the overall valve assembly.
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
Enhances the ability to visually identify specific hydraulic control valves, simplifying assembly by providing a robust and customizable identification system that distinguishes between similar valves based on variable characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
When the coil is energized, it produces magnetic flux forces, and, in response, the armature and, thus, the spool are moved through the air gap
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic control valve can be one type of a variable characteristic (e.g., coil voltage). A visual identification system is provided to permit the visual identification of the specific type of the variable characteristic that the control valve is to assist in the assembly of systems utilizing such control valves. The visual identification system includes first and second indicator bearing first and second indicia, respectively, configured to indicate a first value and a different second value of a variable characteristic, respectively. The first and second indicator members are configured to be separately removably mounted to the control valve via a mechanical connection substantially without adhesive such that the appropriate indicator member can be selected and mounted to the valve depending upon what type of valve it is.