Actuator Flow Control Circuit With Parallel Bypass for Asymmetric Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control systems for actuators, such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, face challenges with large and heavy valves due to asymmetric flow rates, leading to low utilization and flow instabilities, especially when dealing with smaller flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A flow control circuit with a bypass path connected in parallel to the main flow control valve assembly, allowing for higher flow rates through the bypass path when needed, enabling the use of smaller and lighter valves while improving controllability and reducing instabilities by dynamically adjusting flow rates through a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If proportional directional valves are rated for the largest flow rates to handle asymmetric flow requirements, then the flow capacity is sufficient, but the valves become large, heavy, and costly with low utilization for smaller flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is segmented into two separate flow paths: a first flow path with a first proportional directional valve for the first chamber, and a second flow path with a second proportional directional valve for the second chamber. Each valve is sized appropriately for its specific flow requirements, eliminating the need for a single oversized valve that would be required to handle the maximum flow of the larger chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flow path is optimized with locally appropriate valve sizing. The first proportional directional valve is rated for the flow requirements of the first chamber, while the second proportional directional valve is rated for the flow requirements of the second chamber. This allows each component to have the precise quality (flow capacity) needed for its specific function rather than all components having uniform oversized capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If proportional directional valves are rated for the largest flow rates, then the maximum flow requirement is met, but flow instabilities occur due to large pressure drops across small spool openings
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is divided into separate flow paths, each with its own proportional directional valve sized for that specific path's requirements. This segmentation prevents the need to operate a single large valve at small openings, which causes instability due to excessive pressure drops.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flow path has locally optimized valve sizing that matches the specific flow requirements of each chamber. This ensures that valves operate within their optimal ranges, maintaining stable flow control without the instabilities that occur when oversized valves are used for smaller flow requirements.
3Device complexity
If a single valve assembly is used for both chambers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the utilization of flow paths is low and controllability is difficult for smaller flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent flow paths with separate proportional directional valves for each chamber. This allows each valve to be optimized for its specific flow range, improving controllability for both large and small flow rates while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each proportional directional valve is designed to handle the specific flow requirements of its associated chamber, creating a universal solution that provides optimal controllability across different operating conditions. The system as a whole handles asymmetric flow requirements for both chambers using standardized valve components sized for their specific applications.
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
This configuration allows for more compact and cost-effective valves with improved flow control and reduced instabilities, enabling efficient actuator operation across a wide range of flow rates without the need for valves rated for high flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid bypass path is connected to the first port and is further connected hydraulically or pneumatically parallel to the control valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
one or more valves configured to provide a flow of pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to one of the first and second ports along a fluid supply path
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control circuit for an actuator is provided. The actuator includes a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber experiences a volume change that is larger than a volume change experienced by the second chamber upon actuation of the actuator. The flow control circuit includes a first port configured to be connected to the first chamber, a second port configured to be connected to the second chamber, and a flow control valve assembly including one or more valves configured to provide a flow of pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to one of the first and second ports along a fluid supply path and further configured to provide a flow of fluid from the other of the first and second ports to a fluid sink along a fluid return path. The flow control circuit further includes a fluid bypass path comprising a bypass valve.