Pilot-Operated Hydraulic Valve Delay for Fluid Locking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a hydraulically activated time delay mechanism that prevents the discharge of hydraulic devices from occurring once they are no longer in communication with the hydraulic fluid source, to ensure controlled operation and prevent unintended fluid release.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hydraulic apparatus with a normally open pilot operated control valve that locks the hydraulic fluid within the circuit when pressure reaches a certain actuation level, and unlocks it after a delayed period, allowing controlled release, using a hydraulic accumulator to maintain pressure and delay the fluid's exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic device is charged with hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source, then the hydraulic device can perform its function, but the hydraulic fluid may discharge prematurely when the device is no longer in communication with the fluid source
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is pre-configured in the hydraulic circuit to automatically prevent fluid discharge when the device is disconnected from the fluid source. This preliminary protective mechanism ensures that hydraulic fluid remains contained without requiring active control or additional components during operation.
2Reliability
If a normally open pilot operated control valve is used to lock hydraulic fluid, then discharge is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot operated control valve is configured to automatically lock and unlock hydraulic fluid based on pressure conditions without requiring external control signals. The valve self-regulates its state based on the hydraulic pressure in the circuit, eliminating the need for additional control systems or complex valve arrangements.
3Reliability
If hydraulic pressure is maintained above actuation level for a delay period, then controlled operation is ensured, but energy is consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system uses periodic pressure maintenance through the accumulator rather than continuous pressurization. The accumulator releases pressure in controlled intervals to maintain the pilot valve in the locked position during the delay period, then allows pressure to drop naturally to unlock the valve, reducing continuous energy consumption.
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 effectively prevents premature discharge of hydraulic devices, ensuring controlled operation and maintaining the desired orientation of hydraulic components, such as a grapple, during tasks like gripping and cutting, by locking the fluid until the pressure drops below the actuation level after a set delay.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing a control segment of the first hydraulic circuit with the hydraulic fluid source to a hydraulic pressure greater than or equal to an actuation pressure
Implementation Method 2
charging a hydraulic accumulator of the first hydraulic circuit with a second quantity of hydraulic fluid entering the port from the hydraulic fluid source
Implementation Method 3
locking the first quantity of hydraulic fluid from passing through the port to exit the first hydraulic circuit. The locking can comprise hydraulically closing a normally open hydraulic pilot operated control valve from an open orientation to a closed orientation in response to the hydraulic pressure within the control segment reaching greater than or equal to the actuation pressure
Implementation Method 4
discharging the second quantity of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic accumulator over a period of time to maintain the hydraulic pressure within the control segment at greater than or equal to the actuation pressure to maintain the normally open hydraulic pilot operated control valve in the closed orientation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods can comprise charging a first hydraulic device of a first hydraulic circuit with a first quantity of hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source. The methods can further comprise pressurizing a control segment and locking the first quantity of hydraulic fluid from exiting the first hydraulic circuit in response to hydraulic pressure within the control segment. The methods can also include unlocking the first quantity of hydraulic fluid to permit exiting of the first quantity of hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic device in response to dropping the hydraulic pressure within the control segment after a delay. Hydraulic apparatus can comprise a normally open hydraulic pilot operated control valve that can be configured to hydraulically lock a first hydraulic device in response to a hydraulic pressure within a control segment rising to greater than or equal to an actuation pressure.