Integrated Valve Control in Hydraulic Working Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working cylinders in construction machines lack autonomous control and regulation, requiring external components for movement control, which limits their adaptability to increasing automation demands.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent working cylinder with an integrated valve arrangement and control unit that autonomously regulates piston rod movement using internal pressure energy, eliminating the need for external components and allowing for flexible configuration through stored profiles and data interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external control circuit components are used to regulate pressure and volume flow, then the working cylinder can achieve controlled movement, but the device complexity increases and autonomy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control circuit and valve arrangement directly into the working cylinder housing, combining previously separate external components with the cylinder itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate external control circuits while maintaining full control functionality, thereby reducing device complexity and enhancing autonomous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The working cylinder is equipped with an integrated control unit that enables it to autonomously regulate its own pressure and volume flow without requiring external control components. The cylinder serves itself by incorporating all necessary control functions internally, eliminating dependency on external systems and improving ease of operation.
2Extent of automation
If integrated control unit and valve arrangement are added to the working cylinder, then automation capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the control unit and valve arrangement into the cylinder housing as a unified structure, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. Instead of assembling multiple separate components, the integrated design allows for more streamlined production and reduces the number of assembly steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high automation capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the valve arrangement is embedded in the cylinder jacket, then space is saved and protection from external influences is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement is embedded directly into the cylinder jacket structure, merging two previously separate components into one integrated unit. This integration reduces the overall cylinder footprint by eliminating the need for separate valve housings and mounting structures, while the embedded design provides natural protection from external influences.
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
Enables self-controlled and adaptable movement, reducing the need for external components, enhancing energy efficiency, and providing diagnostic and monitoring capabilities, thus improving automation and adaptability in construction machines.
Implementation Method 1
a control valve (20) which can be actuated by the control unit (70) and regulates a volume flow into the cylinder chamber (14)
Implementation Method 2
The proportional valves 20, 30 regulate the pressure level prevailing in the cylinder spaces 14, 15
Implementation Method 3
The piston 13 is arranged at the end of the piston rod 12 lying within the cylinder space. The other end of the piston rod emerges from the cylinder chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a working cylinder comprising a piston-cylinder unit with at least one pressure port, an integral valve arrangement for controlling the pressure volume flow from the pressure port into the cylinder chamber and an integrated control and/or regulating unit for actuating the valve arrangement.