Orthoplanar Spring Check Valve for Hydraulic Tensioner Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic check valves do not effectively manage fluid flow between high pressure chambers and inlet supplies, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and flow control.
Innovation Solution
The use of an orthoplanar spring in a hydraulic tensioner that moves between a flat, closed position to seal the inlet hole and an open deformed position to allow fluid flow, utilizing various arm configurations to control fluid movement through semicircular or s-shaped openings and retainer structures for precise flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional planar springs are used in hydraulic check valves, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fatigue life is insufficient and flow control efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The orthoplanar spring is divided into multiple functional segments: outer rim, flat center portion, radiused arms, and semicircular openings. Each segment performs a specific function (sealing, flow control, structural support), allowing the spring to achieve complex flow management capabilities while maintaining a planar structure that is still manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring transitions from a conventional flat planar structure to an orthoplanar structure with multiple levels and three-dimensional deformation capability. The flat center portion can move vertically to seal or unseal the inlet hole, while the radiused arms provide structural support, creating a multi-dimensional flow control mechanism that improves fatigue life.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spring structure is simplified for easy manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but flow control precision and sealing capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the orthoplanar spring have different functional qualities: the flat center portion provides sealing contact, the radiused arms provide structural support and flexibility, and the semicircular openings control flow paths. This localized functional differentiation achieves precise flow control while maintaining a planar structure suitable for manufacturing.
3Productivity
If conventional check valve structures are used, then the device is simple, but fluid flow management efficiency and backflow prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The orthoplanar spring performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a seal (flat center portion sealing the inlet hole), a flow controller (semicircular openings directing fluid flow), and a structural element (radiused arms providing support). This multi-functionality improves fluid flow management efficiency without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function, flow control function, and structural support function are merged into a single orthoplanar spring component rather than requiring separate seals, valves, and support structures. This integration improves fluid flow management efficiency while the planar design keeps the overall structure relatively simple.
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
Improves fatigue life and maintains targeted performance characteristics such as flow rate, sealing capability, and backflow prevention, while enhancing fluid control efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The orthoplanar spring has a flat, closed position and an open deformed position in which a distance between a top surface of the outer rim and a bottom surface of the flat center portion is greater than a distance between the top surface of the outer rim and a bottom surface of the at least two radiused arms
Implementation Method 2
When the orthoplanar spring is in the flat, closed position, the flat center portion of the orthoplanar spring seals the inlet hole
Data Source
AI summary
An orthoplanar spring for a hydraulic tensioner which has a flat, closed position, in which a flat center portion of the orthoplanar spring seals the inlet hole between the oil supply and the high pressure chamber of the tensioner and an open deformed position in which the flat center portion of the orthoplanar spring moves a distance to unseal the inlet hole such that fluid flows from the inlet supply through the openings in the orthoplanar spring and around the flat center portion to the high pressure chamber.