Parallel Valve-Seat Pressure Control for Fail-Safe Pilot Chamber Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic or pneumatic vibration dampers require complex structures with multiple sliders to ensure a fail-safe damping characteristic in the event of electrical energy failure, making them difficult to operate and adjust.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control valve with two valve seats connected in parallel, where one seat is actively opened by an actuation device and the other passively opened by pressure, ensuring flow and damping control even without electrical energy, using a spring mechanism for fail-safe operation and precise damping adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sliders are used to ensure fail-safe damping characteristic, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple sliders into a single pressure control valve that integrates both active electrical control and passive pressure-responsive capabilities. The valve housing contains both an actuation device (electromagnetic actuator) and a pressure-responsive element (spring-loaded piston) within one component, eliminating the need for separate slider assemblies while maintaining fail-safe operation through the passive pressure control path.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure control valve performs multiple functions: it provides active electrical control for adjustable damping characteristics, passive pressure-responsive control for fail-safe operation, and integrates both control modes within one component. The valve can operate in normal mode with electrical actuation or automatically switch to fail-safe mode using only the pressure-responsive mechanism when electrical energy is unavailable.
2Reliability
If multiple sliders are used for fail-safe operation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanisms for multiple sliders into a single adjustment interface. The valve housing contains one adjustment mechanism that controls the spring preload, which in turn regulates the pressure-responsive control. This eliminates the need for separate adjustment procedures for multiple sliders while maintaining fail-safe functionality through the integrated pressure control system.
3Device complexity
If a single pressure control valve is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate without fail-safe capability
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control valve is designed with a pre-loaded spring mechanism that is prepared in advance to provide passive pressure-responsive control. The spring is pre-compressed during assembly to establish a predetermined force that will automatically regulate fluid flow when electrical actuation fails. This preliminary preparation ensures immediate fail-safe operation without requiring additional components or complex backup systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-responsive piston and spring mechanism within the valve housing provide self-service fail-safe capability. When electrical energy becomes unavailable, the system automatically switches to passive pressure control without requiring external intervention, additional components, or complex control logic. The spring-loaded piston automatically regulates fluid flow based on pressure differential, providing inherent fail-safe operation through the valve's own internal mechanics.
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 simplifies the structure and operation of vibration dampers by enabling closed-loop or open-loop pressure control with a single pressure control valve, ensuring a medium damping characteristic and allowing for precise adjustment of damping characteristics without the need for multiple sliders or complex structures.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring, which biases the first sealing element into the closure position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring, which biases the second sealing element into the first position
Implementation Method 3
a tappet, which is mounted in the valve housing so as to be movable along a longitudinal axis by means of an actuation device that can be energized
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pressure control valve (30) for open-loop or closed-loop control of a pressure of a compressed fluid in a pilot pressure chamber (12), comprising a valve housing (50) with at least one inlet (41) which can be fluidically connected to the pilot pressure chamber (12), and at least one outlet (43); a wall section (51) which is permanently arranged in the pressure control valve (30) and which wall section has a passage channel (60) through which the compressed fluid can flow, and forms a first valve seat (58); a tappet (52) which is mounted in the valve housing (50) so as to be movable along a longitudinal axis (L) by means of an actuation device (49) that can be energized; a first sealing element (54) which forms a second valve seat (66), is mounted in the valve housing (50) so as to be movable along the longitudinal axis (L) and is biased by means of a first spring (56) against the actuation direction (B) of the actuation device (53) into a closure position in which the first sealing element (54) bears against the first valve seat (58) and can be moved by the compressed fluid in the actuation direction (B); and a second sealing element (64) which is attached to the tappet (52), the second valve seat (66) being arranged axially offset to the first valve seat (58) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), and a second spring (68), which biases the second sealing element (64) into the first position.