Pilot-Operated Hydraulic Valve for Fast Base Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient handling apparatuses face challenges in quickly raising or lowering their bases relative to the frame without inducing unacceptable pressure increases in hydraulic cylinders, which hampers efficient loading and unloading processes, particularly in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic valve and control system that includes a pilot operated control valve, allowing selective fluid communication between hydraulic circuit components based on flow conditions, enabling faster movement of the base relative to the frame while maintaining acceptable pressure levels by redirecting fluid flow from the cap end chamber to the reservoir during high flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hydraulic fluid flow rate is increased to move the base faster, then the speed of base movement is improved, but the hydraulic pressure increases to unacceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is divided into two separate circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for supplying fluid at high pressure for normal operation, and a second hydraulic circuit for supplying fluid at high flow rate for rapid movement. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high speed without requiring the entire system to operate at high pressure, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic selector valve acts as an intermediary component that directs fluid flow from either the first hydraulic circuit (high pressure) or the second hydraulic circuit (high flow rate) to the hydraulic cylinder. This mediator enables the system to switch between normal operation mode and rapid movement mode, allowing high speed operation without unacceptable pressure increases.
2Speed
If hydraulic pressure is increased to move the base faster, then the speed of base movement is improved, but the stress on hydraulic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into two separate circuits with distinct functions: the first circuit handles high-pressure operations for normal lifting, while the second circuit handles high-flow operations for rapid base movement. This segmentation ensures that high-speed operations do not require high pressure, thereby reducing stress on hydraulic components while achieving the desired speed improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the hydraulic fluid by selecting different circuits based on the required operation. For rapid base movement, the system switches to the second circuit that provides high flow rate at lower pressure, thereby achieving speed improvement without subjecting components to harmful high-stress conditions.
3Device complexity
If a simple control valve is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control fluid flow based on flow conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic selector valve serves as an intermediary control device that automatically directs fluid flow from the appropriate circuit (first or second) based on the operating conditions. This mediator provides the necessary adaptability to respond to different flow conditions while maintaining relatively simple valve architecture, thus balancing device complexity with fluid flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic selector valve operates automatically based on the flow conditions in the hydraulic circuits, selecting the appropriate circuit without requiring complex external control systems. This self-service capability provides versatile fluid flow control while keeping the device complexity manageable.
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 solution allows for quicker and more efficient loading and unloading of patient handling apparatuses by reducing hydraulic pressure and increasing the speed of base movement, thereby reducing caregiver stress and improving patient handling times.
Implementation Method 1
When the fluid flow to the first inlet of the first chamber exceeds a preselected flow rate, back pressure at the inlet of the first chamber will move the pilot piston and cause the pilot rod to move the valve poppet from its closed position to one of its open positions
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a hydraulic circuit that is configured to selectively open fluid communication between one portion of the hydraulic circuit and another portion of the hydraulic circuit, such as a reservoir, based on the flow of the hydraulic fluid in the one portion. When the flow of hydraulic fluid exceeds a selected threshold in the one portion of the hydraulic circuit, the flow of fluid urges the opening of a hydraulic component of the hydraulic circuit to allow fluid communication between the one portion and the reservoir to discharge fluid from the one portion.