Integrated Counterbalance Valve Spool for Compact Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems require separate counterbalance valves, which can increase complexity and reduce compactness, making them less suitable for applications with limited mounting space.
Innovation Solution
An integrated counterbalance valve is incorporated into the valve spool of a load sensing multiple valve, allowing for compact design and efficient control of hydraulic fluid flow between working and return ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate counterbalance valve is used in the hydraulic system, then the counterbalance function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the counterbalance valve function with the main valve spool by integrating a counterbalance valve spool into the main valve body. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate counterbalance valve, reducing device complexity while maintaining the counterbalance function for controlling hydraulic cylinders or motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The main valve spool is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the main control spool for hydraulic fluid distribution and as the counterbalance valve spool for controlling negative loads. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate valves, simplifying the overall valve system.
2Reliability
If a separate counterbalance valve is used in the hydraulic system, then the counterbalance function is achieved, but the mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance valve function is merged into the main valve body through the integration of the counterbalance valve spool. This eliminates the need for a separate counterbalance valve component, thereby reducing the mounting space required while preserving the essential counterbalance function for safe operation with negative loads.
3Volume of moving object
If the counterbalance valve is integrated into the valve spool, then the compactness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance valve spool is nested within the main valve spool structure, with the counterbalance valve spool recess formed in the main valve spool body. This nesting arrangement allows the counterbalance function to be integrated into the existing valve spool geometry, achieving compactness while managing manufacturing complexity through a unified structural design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a valve. The valve includes: a valve casing, a main valve spool and a counterbalance valve spool. The counterbalance valve spool is disposed in a main valve spool internal cavity of the main valve spool and is slidable between a first counterbalance valve spool position and a second counterbalance valve spool position. The counterbalance valve spool includes: a counterbalance valve spool body; and a first counterbalance valve spool recess formed on an outer periphery of the counterbalance valve spool body. In a state where the counterbalance valve spool is in the first counterbalance valve spool position, an inlet of an outlet passage of the main valve spool is closed by the counterbalance valve spool; and in a state where the counterbalance valve spool is in the second counterbalance valve spool position, the inlet of the outlet passage of the main valve spool is opened by the counterbalance valve spool through the first counterbalance valve spool recess of the counterbalance valve spool, so that a second working port is in communication with a return port through an inlet passage configured for the second working port, the first counterbalance valve spool recess and the outlet passage.