Pilot Valve Arrangement for Compact Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve arrangements for automatic transmissions with start/stop functions require large, expensive magnet systems due to high volume flows, making them unsuitable for compact and cost-effective implementation.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve arrangement using a small, inexpensive electromagnetic seat valve as a pilot valve, integrated within the accumulator, which utilizes a control piston and check valve configuration to manage fluid flow efficiently, eliminating the need for an additional pressure source and allowing for precise control of fluid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a directly controlled seat valve is used to handle high volume flows, then the flow capacity is sufficient, but the magnet system becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pilot valve as an intermediary control element that manages a small control volume flow to regulate a much larger main volume flow. The pilot valve's control piston receives a small fluid quantity from the accumulator, which then controls the check valve to release the larger stored fluid volume. This mediator approach allows precise control without requiring a large magnet system capable of handling the full flow volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulator serves a dual function: it stores the large volume of fluid needed for start/stop operation and simultaneously provides the control volume flow to the pilot valve. The system uses its own stored resources (the control volume within the accumulator) to actuate the valve, eliminating the need for external control pressure sources and reducing overall system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If a directly controlled seat valve is used for high volume flows, then the flow requirement is met, but the valve arrangement becomes large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve acts as a mediator that translates a small control signal into a large flow response. By controlling the check valve through a small control volume from the accumulator, the system achieves large volume flow capability with a compact valve arrangement. The pilot valve's small size contrasts with the large flow capacity it enables through the check valve mechanism.
3Device complexity
If a pilot valve with small control volume is used, then the valve arrangement becomes compact and cost-effective, but control of high volume flow must be achieved indirectly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the control function from the main flow path by separating the pilot valve (handling small control volume) from the check valve (handling large main volume). This extraction allows each valve to be optimized for its specific flow range, with the pilot valve providing compact control and the check valve providing high-capacity flow management, reducing overall system complexity despite the indirect control mechanism.
4Volume of moving object
If integrated parts in accumulator are used, then compactness is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve arrangement components (pilot valve, check valve, control piston) with the accumulator by integrating them into the base plate. This consolidation achieves compactness by eliminating separate mounting structures and reducing overall system volume. The integration into a single base plate structure simplifies assembly while maintaining functional separation of the valve components.
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
Enables a compact, cost-effective valve arrangement that can handle high volume flows without the need for a large magnet system, providing efficient and reliable fluid management for automatic transmissions.
Implementation Method 1
a very small and therefore inexpensive electromagnetic seat valve, preferably a microvalve, can be used as a pilot valve
Implementation Method 2
the smaller amount of fluid flows through the seat valve. It has also been recognized that the required control volume flow can be taken from the memory itself
Implementation Method 3
A needle could be accommodated in the main piston, which abuts against a spring-loaded ball of the check valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The valve array has reservoir (1) containing a pressurized fluid, a non-return valve (3), and a seat valve (2) that is actuatable so as to allow the fluid to flow out of the reservoir. The seat valve is configured as a pilot control valve connected to the reservoir such that in an open condition of the seat valve a smaller amount of the fluid flows out of the reservoir via the seat valve and a larger amount of the fluid flows out of the reservoir via the non-return valve.