Pilot-Compensated Time Delay Valve for Pressure-Stable Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time delay valves experience timing variations due to fluctuations in pilot fluid supply pressure, leading to inconsistent operation times in devices using them, particularly in environments with fluctuating pressures like factory pressure lines.
Innovation Solution
A time delay valve and flow rate controller design incorporating a switching valve, biasing member, drive mechanism, pilot flow path, delay mechanism with a throttle valve, and a compensation mechanism to stabilize switching timing by adjusting biasing forces in response to pilot fluid pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional time delay valve uses a throttle and volume portion with pilot fluid supply pressure to operate the valve, then the valve switching operation is performed at the timing when a predetermined amount of pilot fluid is supplied to the volume portion, but when the supply pressure of the pilot fluid fluctuates, the flow rate of the pilot fluid passing through the throttle of the delay mechanism fluctuates and the timing at which the valve is switched varies
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation mechanism uses the supply pressure of the pilot fluid to generate a compensation force that acts on the switching valve. When the supply pressure fluctuates, the compensation mechanism automatically adjusts the biasing force to counteract the fluctuation, thereby stabilizing the switching timing. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for predetermined waiting time while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of biasing force by introducing a compensation mechanism that varies its output force in response to supply pressure fluctuations. The compensation mechanism converts the supply pressure into a compensating force that dynamically adjusts the switching characteristics, allowing the valve to maintain stable timing despite pressure variations in the pilot fluid supply.
2Reliability
If a predetermined waiting time is provided in consideration of the variation in the operation of devices, then the switching timing variation is accommodated, but the cycle time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation mechanism provides real-time feedback-based adjustment of the switching timing, eliminating the need for conservative predetermined waiting time. By continuously compensating for pressure fluctuations, the system achieves reliable operation without adding extra time to the cycle, thus maintaining both consistency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation mechanism enables the time delay valve to self-adjust its switching timing in response to supply pressure variations. This self-service capability allows the valve to maintain consistent operation without external intervention or predetermined time buffers, thereby optimizing the cycle time while ensuring reliable device operation.
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
The solution effectively suppresses the influence of pilot fluid pressure fluctuations on switching timing, stabilizing operation times and reducing cycle time variability in fluid pressure devices.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the switching valve toward the first position
Implementation Method 2
a drive mechanism configured to bias the switching valve toward the second position under an action of a supply pressure of a pilot fluid
Implementation Method 3
the delay mechanism includes a delay throttle valve provided in the pilot flow path
Implementation Method 4
a compensation mechanism configured to bias the switching valve toward the first position under an action of the supply pressure of the pilot fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A time delay valve includes a switching valve that switches between a first position and a second position; an urging member that urges the switching valve toward the first position; a driving mechanism that urges the switching valve toward the second position located opposite the first position in the presence of the pressure of a pilot fluid being supplied; a pilot flow channel that introduces the pilot fluid to the driving mechanism; and a delaying mechanism that delays the switching timing of the switching valve. The delaying mechanism includes a first throttle valve provided on the pilot flow channel, a compensation mechanism that urges the switching valve toward the first position in the presence of the pressure of the pilot fluid being supplied, and a compensation flow channel that is branched from the pilot flow channel to introduce a portion of the pilot fluid to the compensation mechanism.