Integrated Pilot Valve for Construction Equipment Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control valves for construction equipment require additional pilot lines and control valves outside the valve body, increasing manufacturing costs and complicating maintenance due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a supply passage for pilot pressure and a pilot pressure control valve within the holding valve, allowing the pilot pressure to be applied or blocked through flow paths, shifting the auxiliary spool and controlling the spool's movement to prevent actuator descent during neutral states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional pilot lines and control valves are installed outside the valve body, then the control function is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pilot pressure control valve and supply passages directly into the valve body, merging previously separate components (external pilot lines and control valves) with the main valve structure. This consolidation maintains the control function while reducing device complexity and improving ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the main control valve housing and the integrated pilot pressure control valve housing. The valve body now simultaneously provides hydraulic fluid distribution and pilot pressure control, eliminating the need for separate external control components
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pilot lines and control valves are installed outside the valve body, then the control function is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the pilot pressure control valve and supply passages into the valve body as integrated components, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This merger simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs while maintaining full control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs main valve control and pilot pressure control functions. This universal design eliminates the need for separate external control components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
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 configuration reduces manufacturing costs and optimizes space usage by eliminating the need for external pilot lines and control valves, ensuring the actuator remains stable during neutral states.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fluid supplied from a hydraulic pump to a pump passage of a valve body
Implementation Method 2
supply passage for pilot pressure and a control valve which are formed within the holding valve
Implementation Method 3
pilot pressure control valve which is shifted by pressure of hydraulic fluid drained from a back pressure chamber of the holding poppet when the auxiliary spool is shifted
Implementation Method 4
holding poppet which is formed on an actuator port to hold temporarily a load of the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed is a control valve for construction equipment having a holding valve which prevents the natural lowering of an operation apparatus due to the dead weight of the operation apparatus when an actuator is in a neutral position. A control valve for construction equipment according to the present invention comprises: a valve body in which a supply path in communication with a pump path, through which a hydraulic fluid is supplied from a hydraulic pump, and actuator ports connected to an actuator are formed; a spool which is embedded in the valve body so as to be switchable; a holding valve having a holding poppet which is formed at the actuator port of any one of the actuator ports, and an auxiliary spool which is connected to a back pressure chamber of the holding poppet and releases the held load of the actuator at the time of switching; a control valve provided in the valve body; a pilot pressure control valve, embedded in the holding valve so as to be switchable, which applies or blocks a pilot pressure applied to switch the auxiliary spool on or off through a path when the pilot pressure control valve is switched on or off by means of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid which is drained from the back pressure chamber of the holding poppet at the time of switching the auxiliary spool on or off.