Load Holding Valve Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load holding valves require frequent maintenance, are prone to leaks and losses of pressurized fluid, leading to unsafe operation and environmental pollution, and incur significant costs due to the need for specialized technicians and potential replacement of components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a connecting means that ensures equal pressure distribution across internal components, reducing radial forces and leaks, and features sealing elements and a drained region connected to a pressure relief valve to minimize fluid pressure and prevent environmental pollution, thereby reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure fluid flows through the valve channels, then the valve can support heavy loads and maintain position, but radial forces cause components to move apart and create gaps leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter distribution by introducing a first pressure equalization channel that communicates the first and second cavities, equalizing pressure on both sides of the piston. This eliminates the radial thrust forces that cause sealing failures and leaks, while maintaining the high pressure needed for load support through the main fluid flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure equalization channel as an intermediary pathway between the first and second cavities. This intermediary structure allows pressure to be balanced across the piston without requiring the main high-pressure fluid path to be altered, thereby preventing leaks while maintaining load support capability.
2Reliability
If frequent maintenance is performed to address leaks, then valve reliability is maintained, but machine operational time is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing a pressure equalization system that prevents sealing failures before they occur. By equalizing pressure on both sides of the piston, the system prevents the radial forces that lead to gap formation and leaks, thereby avoiding the need for frequent maintenance interventions and machine downtime.
3Reliability
If high pressure fluid leaks from the valve, then the load position is compromised and safety is reduced, but environmental pollution from oil leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure distribution parameter by equalizing pressure across the piston through the first pressure equalization channel. This eliminates the radial thrust forces that cause sealing failures and fluid leaks, thereby simultaneously protecting load position stability and preventing environmental pollution from oil leakage.
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
The solution significantly reduces the risk of fluid leaks and losses, ensuring safe and reliable operation of machines, minimizing maintenance requirements, and reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure equalization channel (62) arranged for equalizing a pressure in the first cavity (8) and in the second cavity (9), thereby reducing thrust forces acting on the piston (20) in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (A)
Implementation Method 2
a spring (41) arranged for applying a thrust force, in an axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (A), to the piston (20) in order to counterbalance a thrust force derived from an axial component of the fluid flowing through the valve (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A valve (1) comprises a body (2), provided with a plurality of openings (3, 4, 5, 55) through which a pressurised fluid can enter or exit said valve (1) and cavity means (8, 9, 26, 54), made in the body (2) and suitable for receiving the fluid. The cavity means (8, 9, 26, 54) comprises a first cavity (8) and a second cavity (9), the first cavity (8) comprising a portion (10) suitable for receiving a containing element (16) and the second cavity (9) comprising an end portion (9b) suitable for receiving a closing element (46). The valve (1) further comprises connecting means (58) suitable for making the portion (10) and the end portion (9b) reciprocally communicating.