Pilot Valve Channel Layout for Reduced Valve Unit Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing valve units have a wide construction width due to the lateral passage of the second pilot working channel, which limits their compactness and operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

The second pilot working channel is routed through the actuation member receiving space in the first pilot valve housing, eliminating the need for lateral passage and allowing for a more compact design by utilizing the space occupied by the hand actuation member, thus reducing the overall width of the pilot valve device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the second pilot working channel is routed laterally past the actuation member receiving space, then the channel can be easily connected to the main valve, but the construction width of the pilot valve device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel routing simplicityVSAvoidconstruction width

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The second pilot working channel is routed through the actuation member receiving space of the first pilot valve housing, nesting the channel path within the existing structural envelope rather than requiring external lateral passage. This allows the channel to pass through the hollow space already created by the hand actuation member receptacle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of routing the second pilot working channel laterally in the horizontal plane, the channel is redirected to pass through the vertical actuation member receiving space. This dimensional change from lateral to vertical routing eliminates the need for increased construction width while maintaining channel connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pilot valve device is designed with lateral passage for the second pilot working channel, then the channel connectivity is ensured, but the overall width of the valve unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel connectivityVSAvoidoverall width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation member receiving space of the first pilot valve housing serves dual functions: it accommodates the hand actuation member for manual operation and simultaneously provides a passage route for the second pilot working channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lateral passage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional requirements of the hand actuation device and the second pilot working channel are merged by routing the channel through the actuation member receiving space. This combination allows both the manual actuation function and the fluid channel function to coexist within the same spatial envelope without increasing overall width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the second pilot working channel passes through the first pilot valve housing laterally, then the channel can be easily installed, but the compactness of the valve unit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel installationVSAvoidcompactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second pilot working channel is nested within the actuation member receiving space of the first pilot valve housing, utilizing the existing internal volume rather than requiring external lateral passage. This nesting approach maintains compactness while ensuring channel installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design enables a reduction in the construction width of the pilot valve device and the entire valve unit, allowing for a more compact and reliable operation while maintaining fluid control functionality.

Implementation Method 1

electrofluidically pilot-operated main valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrofluidic pilot operation:

Implementation Method 2

hand actuation member which is accessible from outside the pilot valve device for manually creating an actuation movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectManual mechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

main valve slide which by way of a fluid impingement which is opposite to one another can be moved to and fro

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid impingement: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS11927277B2Valve unit

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 FESTO AG & CO KG

AI summary

A valve unit has a main valve and a pilot valve device which is applied thereto, wherein the pilot valve device includes a first pilot valve which is arranged in a valve longitudinal direction between the main valve and a second pilot valve. The main valve can be actuated by way of a pilot fluid through a first pilot working channel which is connected to the first pilot valve and through a second pilot working channel which is connected to the second pilot valve. The second pilot working channel passes through a first pilot valve housing of the first pilot valve, wherein it has a receiving space channel section which passes through an actuation member receiving space of a hand actuation device which is formed in the first pilot valve housing and in which a manually actuatable hand actuation member is arranged. In this manner the valve unit can be realised with a low construction width.