Modular Hydraulic Control Valve Assembly with Adjustable Constrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic control systems for water supply networks lack versatility and modularity, making it difficult to adjust opening and closing speeds and requiring extensive modifications or replacements for different control functions, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydraulic control valve assembly with adjustable feed and bleed constrictions in the distribution block allows for independent adjustment of opening and closing speeds, featuring a distribution block with a common plenum, feed and bleed channels, and check valves, enabling easy configuration and reconfiguration for various control functions without altering the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated control function is designed into the hydraulic control system, then the control function can be performed reliably, but the system cannot be easily modified or upgraded without exchanging the complete control part or whole valve system
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: a control valve assembly with a valve body, valve member, and control chamber, and a separate distribution block with feed and bleed channels. This modular segmentation allows the distribution block to be exchanged or reconfigured independently to change control functions while keeping the main valve assembly, thereby improving adaptability without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution block is designed as a universal component with multiple feed channels and bleed channels that can be configured for different control functions. The same distribution block structure can serve various control requirements by adjusting which channels are activated or connected, enabling one component to perform multiple functions and facilitating system reconfiguration for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the complete control part or whole valve system is exchanged to achieve different control functions, then the desired control function can be obtained, but the production cost and ownership cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into a reusable control valve assembly and a configurable distribution block, the invention avoids the need to manufacture and assemble complete new valve systems for different control functions. Only the distribution block needs to be exchanged or reconfigured, significantly reducing production costs compared to replacing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution block merges multiple feed channels and bleed channels into a single configurable unit that can be attached to the control valve assembly. This consolidation allows different control functions to be achieved by reconfiguring the merged distribution block rather than manufacturing separate complete valve systems, reducing overall production complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are produced and assembled separately to achieve complex control functions, then the required control functionality can be implemented, but the production cost increases due to many separate parts
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feed channels and bleed channels are merged into a single integrated distribution block that can be attached to the control valve assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be produced and assembled independently, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the capability to implement complex control functions through internal channel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution block is designed as a universal multi-functional component that can provide various control functions through its internal channel configuration. Instead of requiring separate dedicated parts for each control function, the universal distribution block can be reconfigured to perform multiple control tasks, reducing the total number of separate parts needed in the system.
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 provides a versatile, compact, and cost-effective hydraulic control system that can be easily adapted for different control functions, reducing production and servicing costs while maintaining robustness and reliability, and allowing for self-sustaining operation independent of electrical power or electronic control.
Implementation Method 1
a feed check valve determining a feed flow direction
Implementation Method 2
a bleed check valve determining a bleed flow direction
Implementation Method 3
a feed channel connecting the common plenum with the feed port via an adjustable feed constriction, and a bleed channel connecting the common plenum with the bleed port via an adjustable bleed constriction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A modular hydraulic control valve assembly (1) for use in a pilot-operated hydraulic control system comprises a control valve (2) including a valve body (3) defining a main flow passage from an inlet (4) on a high pressure side (5) of the control valve to an outlet (6) on a low pressure side (7) of the control valve, a valve member (13) arranged in the flow passage and separating the high pressure side from the low pressure side, a control chamber (10) comprising means for hydraulic actuation of the valve member by applying a control pressure to the control chamber so as to position the valve member between an open position and a closed position thereby adjusting a main flow through the main flow passage in response to the control pressure, a feed port (31) for feeding fluid to the control chamber to increase the control pressure therein, a bleed port (32) for bleeding fluid from the control chamber to decrease the control pressure therein, and a valve bonnet (8) closing the control chamber. The assembly further comprises a feed check valve (41) determining a feed flow direction, a bleed check valve (42) determining a bleed flow direction, a distribution block (9) including a common plenum, a control input (27) in fluid communication with the common plenum, and a control output (28) in fluid communication with the common plenum, wherein the distribution block further comprises a feed channel (31) connecting the common plenum with the feed port via an adjustable feed constriction, and a bleed channel (32) connecting the common plenum with the bleed port via an adjustable bleed constriction.