Integrated Hydraulic Valve Assembly for Manual and Electro-Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automating mechanical control systems in earthmoving machines with hydraulic systems is costly and complex due to the need for additional valves, wiring, and controllers, which complicates the integration of electro-hydraulic control.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic valve assembly with a main control valve that includes a mechanical interface for manual operation and electro-hydraulic actuators for automatic control, allowing the valve member to move between positions in response to a control signal from a controller, thereby simplifying the automation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electrically-controlled valve is provided in parallel with the mechanical valve to automate the mechanical control, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional valves, wiring, controllers, and hydraulic lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical valve and electro-hydraulic valve into a single integrated valve assembly where the valve member is operable in response to both mechanical input from the operator and electro-hydraulic actuation. This merging eliminates the need for separate parallel valve systems, reducing complexity while maintaining both manual and automatic control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed to respond to multiple types of input (mechanical and electro-hydraulic), making it a multi-functional component that can operate in both manual and automatic modes. This universal design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized components for each control mode.
2Extent of automation
If an electrically-controlled valve is provided in parallel with the mechanical valve to automate the mechanical control, then automation capability is improved, but cost increases due to additional components and installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the mechanical and electro-hydraulic control functions into a single valve assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and installed. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing and installation costs while achieving the same automation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control systems are used for manual and automatic operation, then control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges manual and automatic control pathways into a single integrated valve member that can respond to either type of input. This eliminates the complexity of integrating separate control systems while preserving the flexibility to operate in either manual or automatic mode, as the valve member is designed to accommodate both control methods.
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 flexible and cost-effective automation of hydraulic control systems by integrating mechanical and electro-hydraulic components, reducing the complexity and cost associated with additional valves and wiring, while providing both manual and automatic control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electro-hydraulic actuators operatively coupled to the movable valve member to automatically move the movable valve member between the first valve position and the second valve position in response to receiving a control signal from a controller
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical interface operatively coupled to the movable valve member to manually move the movable valve member between the first valve position and the second valve position
Implementation Method 3
The system includes a hydraulic pump, a main control valve configured to receive high pressure hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump and route the high pressure hydraulic fluid to one of a hydraulic actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, or a hydraulic motor
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic valve assembly including a main control valve having a valve body housing a valve member that is movable between a first valve position and a second valve position. The hydraulic valve assembly further includes a mechanical interface operatively coupled to the movable valve member to manually move the movable valve member between the first valve position and the second valve position and one or more electro-hydraulic actuators operatively coupled to the movable valve member to automatically move the movable valve member between the first valve position and the second valve position in response to receiving a control signal from a controller.