Latched Valve Piston Control Under High Hydraulic Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices are not suitable for high fluid forces commonly encountered in hydraulics, as they fail to securely hold the valve piston in place without requiring excessive energy for actuation and often result in unintentional switching due to friction-based clamping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a separate latch mechanism that includes a control body that can be moved independently of the valve piston, allowing for secure fastening and release without relying on friction, enabling actuation with less powerful actuators and reducing energy and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based clamping mechanisms are used to hold the valve piston, then the valve piston can be secured in position, but unintentional switching occurs and excessive energy is required for actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into multiple independent clamping elements (clamping balls or clamping blocks) that can be individually actuated. This allows the valve piston to be securely held by multiple distributed contact points while enabling controlled release through selective actuation, reducing the force needed compared to a single large clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are preliminarily positioned in clamping positions where they engage with the valve piston before actuation. This preliminary positioning ensures secure holding during operation, while the actuation mechanism is pre-configured to release these elements in a controlled sequence, minimizing the energy required for switching.
2Reliability
If friction-based clamping mechanisms are used to hold the valve piston, then the valve piston can be secured in position, but unintentional switching is prevented only by increasing clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-based mechanical clamping system is replaced with a latching mechanism that uses geometric interlocking (form-fitting engagement) rather than friction to hold the valve piston. The clamping elements engage with corresponding recesses or surfaces on the valve piston, creating a mechanical lock that prevents unintentional switching without requiring high continuous clamping forces, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using friction to prevent unintentional switching (which requires high continuous force), the invention inverts the approach by using a latching mechanism where the clamping elements are held in place by geometric constraints and are released through a specific actuation action. This inversion allows secure holding with minimal energy while enabling easy release when needed.
3Reliability
If high clamping force is applied to prevent unintentional switching, then reliability improves, but subsequent actuation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism transitions from a static high-force friction clamp to a dynamic latching system. The clamping elements can rapidly transition between clamped and released states through actuation. During normal operation, they provide strong holding force through geometric engagement, but when actuated, they quickly release to allow valve piston movement, and then rapidly re-clamp in the new position, making subsequent actuation equally easy.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device has a valve housing (10), in which fluid ports (P, A, T) are provided and in which at least one valve piston (12, 14) can be moved longitudinally. The valve piston either separates at least two of the fluid ports (P, A, T) from one another or interconnects them as a function of its travel position. At least one latching device (16, 18) is provided for each valve piston (12, 14) for the detachable fastening of the respective valve pistons (12, 14) in one of its travel positions. Each latching device has at least one latching means (20), which can be brought into a latching position (22). As part of the respective latching devices (16, 18) for detachably fastening the respective valve pistons (12, 14), at least one control body (24) t can be moved independently of the respective valve pistons (12, 14), which control body is set up such that, in at least one blocking position, it prevents the relevant latching means (20) disposed in the latching position (22) from leaving the latching position (22) by blocking the latching means (20).