Modular Valve Group With Interchangeable Flanges for Control Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements lack flexibility in adapting to different control behaviors, as they are limited by fixed configurations that do not allow for easy modification to suit varying hydraulic control requirements.
Innovation Solution
A valve group comprising two valve arrangements with interchangeable flanges, allowing different connections between spool valves and working ports, enabling adaptation of control behavior by exchanging flanges of different types, which connect spools to either one or both working ports, thereby mixing control behaviors within a single valve group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed valve arrangement configuration is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different control behaviors is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement is segmented into modular components: spool valves, housing arrangements, and interchangeable flanges. Each flange type provides a specific connection pattern between spools and working ports, allowing the system to be reconfigured by simply exchanging flange modules rather than redesigning the entire valve arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges are designed as universal connection elements that can be interchanged to provide different control behaviors. The same spool valve assembly can serve multiple functions by pairing with different flange types, enabling a single valve group to adapt to various hydraulic control requirements without requiring multiple complete valve arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve arrangements are used to achieve different control behaviors, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve arrangements are merged into a single compact valve group sharing common housings and flanges. The first and second spool valves are integrated within shared housing arrangements, and a single flange provides connection for both spools to the working ports, reducing the overall space requirement compared to separate valve arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve group employs a nested structure where spool valves are housed within housing arrangements that are themselves integrated into a compact assembly. The flanges are positioned to connect multiple spools simultaneously, creating a space-efficient nested configuration that accommodates multiple control functions in a reduced footprint.
3Ease of operation
If the flange connection is made fixed, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the ease of operation for adapting control behavior decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange connection transitions from a permanent fixed state to a dynamically reconfigurable state. The flanges are designed to be removable and interchangeable, allowing the connection configuration to change based on operational requirements while maintaining stable connections during each specific configuration through proper mounting arrangements.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
AI summary
A valve arrangement is described comprising a housing arrangement (12), (18), a first spool valve (1a, 1b) having a first spool (3a, 3b) and a second spool valve (2a, 2b) having a second spool (4a, 4b), wherein the first spool valve (1a, 1b) and the second spool valve (2a, 2b) each comprise a supply channel arrangement having a pump channel (5) and a tank channel (6), and a working port arrangement having two working ports (8, 9), wherein the spools (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) control a flow path between the supply channel arrangement (5, 6) and the working port arrangements (7, 8). In such a valve arrangement it should be possible to simply adapt the control behaviour to different purposes. To this end the working port arrangement (7, 8) is arranged in a flange (16a, 16b) connected to the housing arrangement (13, 14; 19, 20).