Pilot Chamber Pressure Control Without Fluid Discharge Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pressure control devices waste pressure fluid when transitioning from high to low pressure modes due to discharge paths, requiring large device sizes and additional sensors, such as flow rate sensors.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pressure control device with a diaphragm and solenoid valves that adjusts the flow path area without a discharge path for wasted pressure fluid, using pilot chambers and feedback chambers to control pressure transitions from high to low operating modes without external shutoff valves or flow rate sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a discharge valve element is used to control pressure from high to low, then pressure control is achieved, but pressure fluid is wasted without being used
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a discharge valve to release excess pressure fluid to the exterior, the invention inverts the approach by using a supply valve to control the inflow of pressure fluid. The supply valve adjusts the area of the flow path connecting the inlet port to the outlet port, thereby controlling pressure without discarding fluid. This inversion eliminates the need for a discharge path and prevents pressure fluid loss.
2Stress or pressure
If a shutoff valve is connected in series to a proportional pressure regulating valve, then pressure transition control is achieved, but device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the supply valve and the shutoff valve into a single supply valve with adjustable flow path area. The supply valve simultaneously performs pressure regulation and flow control functions, eliminating the need for a separate shutoff valve connected in series. This integration reduces the overall device size while maintaining the capability to transition pressure from high to low modes.
3Extent of automation
If a flow rate sensor is added to detect flow rate changes, then mode transition control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a feedback mechanism where the adjustable area of the supply valve's flow path creates a natural feedback loop. By adjusting the flow path area, the system automatically regulates pressure without requiring external flow rate sensors or complex control systems. The feedback is inherent in the valve's design, where the flow path area adjustment directly influences pressure, eliminating the need for additional sensing components.
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
Minimizes pressure fluid loss and eliminates the need for shutoff valves and flow rate sensors, allowing for a compact device design while efficiently changing fluid pressure from high to low operating modes.
Implementation Method 1
a pilot pressure supply solenoid valve and a pilot pressure discharge solenoid valve, control a pilot pressure acting on the diaphragm, to displace a valve element
Implementation Method 2
when a supply valve element is placed in an open state, a supply port connected to a fluid supply source and a pressure adjusting port connected to fluid pressure equipment communicate with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A pilot pressure supply solenoid valve (36) is disposed in a flow path connecting an inlet port (16) and a pilot chamber (48), and a pilot pressure discharge solenoid valve (38) is disposed in a flow path through which a pressure fluid in the pilot chamber is discharged to the exterior. A flow path, through which the pressure fluid that has passed through a supply valve (26) is discharged to the exterior, is not provided.