Modular Hydraulic Valve Control with Optional Rod Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic control systems with blocking functions are complex and typically reserved for high-end applications, lacking versatility and adaptability to various needs, while simpler solutions are needed for more versatile and modular control apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A modular control apparatus comprising an actuating section, a sensor section, and an auxiliary section with connecting interfaces allowing for various configurations, including a blocking device and haptic feedback, enabling the use of common components for both blocking and non-blocking systems, with optional inclusion of an auxiliary section for specific functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking system is added to the joystick to maintain command position, then the blocking function is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is divided into separate modular sections: an actuating section with the tilting control member, a sensor section with detection elements, and an auxiliary section with the blocking device. This segmentation allows the blocking function to be added as a separate module rather than integrating it into the basic joystick structure, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing the complexity of each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal components that can be used in both blocking and non-blocking configurations. The actuating section and sensor section serve multiple purposes: they function as the core control mechanism in simple applications and as integral parts of a blocking system when the auxiliary section is added. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the same basic components to support both simple and complex configurations.
2Reliability
If blocking systems are integrated into high-end applications, then the blocking function is improved, but the adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic configuration where the auxiliary section with the blocking device can be selectively added or removed based on application requirements. This dynamic adaptability means the same core components can be configured for simple applications without blocking or for complex applications with blocking functionality, thereby improving both reliability and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating section and sensor section are designed as universal components that can operate independently for basic control or in combination with the auxiliary section for blocking functionality. This universality enables the system to adapt to different application needs, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable blocking functions and maintaining versatility across various applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate sections with connecting interfaces are used, then the modularity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is segmented into three main sections connected by interfaces: the actuating section, sensor section, and auxiliary section. While this segmentation increases the number of components, it enables flexible assembly and disassembly, allowing users to configure the system according to specific needs. The modular design actually reduces overall system complexity by allowing simple applications to use fewer components while maintaining the option for complex configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting interfaces are pre-designed and standardized, allowing the sections to be easily assembled without complex integration work. This preliminary preparation of connection mechanisms reduces the actual assembly complexity despite the increased number of separate components, as the interfaces handle the complexity of alignment and connection automatically.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2~2A
AI summary
A modular control apparatus for actuating hydraulic valve systems comprising an actuating section including a tilting control member and a plurality of control rods provided with a pusher susceptible to interaction with the control member so as to translate the control rods in the longitudinal direction, a sensor section including a plurality of sensor members suitable to detect a movement in the longitudinal direction of said control rods and a blocking section comprising a blocking device that is capable of individually blocking in the longitudinal direction each of said control rods. The actuating section can be alternately connected to the blocking section or to the sensor section so that the sensor section can be directly connected to the actuating section, detecting the longitudinal movement of the control rods also in the case that the blocking section is not present.