Load-Sensitive Multi-Path Valve Testing Device Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing load-sensitive multi-path valves lack accurate assessment of pressure loss, micro-motion characteristics, and saturation resistance due to inadequate pressure compensation and manual control processes, leading to inconvenient and inaccurate data acquisition.

Innovation Solution

A load-sensitive multi-path valve testing device utilizing an electrically controlled variable displacement pump, proportional relief valves, and pressure sensors for continuous flow and pressure adjustments, enabling simultaneous testing of pressure loss, micro-motion characteristics, and flow saturation resistance with improved accuracy and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual one-way throttle valve is used for loading and manual proportional pilot valve control is used for commutation, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient adjustment process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control systems with an automated electronic control system. A computer controls the commutation of multi-path valves by generating control signals that drive electromagnetic proportional pilot valves, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining system functionality. This substitution improves ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If pressure compensators are included in the testing system, then measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish true pressure loss, but reliability improves

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pressure measurement function by placing multiple independent pressure sensors at different locations in the hydraulic system. Pressure sensors are positioned at the inlet and outlet of the multi-path valve to directly measure pressure differential across the valve, separating the pressure measurement function from the pressure compensators. This segmentation enables accurate measurement of true pressure loss while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pressure sensors as intermediary measurement devices between the hydraulic system and the testing/analysis system. These sensors directly measure pressure at critical points and transmit data to the computer for analysis, serving as intermediaries that provide accurate pressure data without being affected by the pressure compensators' limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If standard testing methods are used without detailed procedures, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately acquire test data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a comprehensive feedback system where multiple sensors (pressure sensors, flow sensors) continuously monitor system parameters and transmit data to a computer. The computer processes this feedback data and uses it to control the testing process, adjust parameters, and analyze results. This feedback mechanism enables accurate acquisition of test data while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal testing system that can perform multiple types of tests (pressure loss testing, micro-motion characteristic testing, saturation resistant characteristic testing) using the same integrated platform. The system combines pressure sensors, flow sensors, computer control, and data processing capabilities to handle various testing requirements, improving measurement precision across different test types while maintaining ease of operation through a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for precise and continuous data collection during testing, enhancing the accuracy of performance assessments for load-sensitive multi-path valves by enabling constant pressure difference control and smooth commutation actions, thus overcoming the limitations of existing testing methods.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically controlled variable displacement pump, an output of the electrically controlled variable displacement pump is connected to a P port of the load-sensitive multi-path valve through an oil supply pipeline

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVariable displacement pump control: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a first pressure sensor connected to a T port of the load-sensitive multi-path valve, a second pressure sensor connected to a P port of the load-sensitive multi-path valve and a third pressure sensor connected to a load feedback LS port of the load-sensitive multi-path valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 3

control oil ports a1, b1 of the first commutation linkage are connected to the control oil source through a fourth proportional pressure reducing valve and a first proportional pressure reducing valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProportional pressure control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS10732070B2Load-sensitive multi-path valve testing device and testing method
Publication Date: 2020.08.04 XUZHOU UNIV OF TECH
  • US10732070B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A load-sensitive multi-path valve testing device includes the first, second, and third pressure sensors connected to the T, P, and LS ports of the load-sensitive multi-path valve; an oil outlet of an electronically controlled variable displacement pump connected to the P port of the load-sensitive multi-path valve via an oil supply pipeline; a first proportional relief valve and a first flow sensor connected on the oil supply pipeline; control oil ports of each commutation linkage respectively connected to a control oil source by two proportional pressure reducing valves; two working oil ports of each commutation linkage respectively connected to an oil tank by two proportional relief valves; flow sensors and pressure sensors arranged on two working oil ports of each commutation linkage. A testing method includes: using the device for pressure loss tests, micro-motion characteristic tests and flow saturation resistant characteristic tests.