Reversible Plough Valve Sequencing for Jam-Free Hydraulic Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve structures for reversible ploughs face issues with mechanical jamming and inefficient control mechanisms, particularly in heavy ploughs, and lack reliable reverse operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A valve structure with a hydraulic sequencing circuit and moving spools that controls the flow path and pressure of work-fluid to automate the alignment and rotation of hydraulic cylinders, featuring relief valves and check valves for precise sequence control and safe reverse operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical springs are used to rotate the plough, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is poor due to frequent jams and inability to handle heavy ploughs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based rotation system with a hydraulic cylinder and valve system. The hydraulic cylinder (12) with piston (14) and rod (16) provides rotational force, while the spool valve (3, 6, 7, 8) controls fluid flow to actuate the cylinder, eliminating the jamming issues inherent in mechanical spring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic fluid under pressure to drive the rotation mechanism. The spool valve directs pressurized fluid to either side of the hydraulic cylinder piston, enabling controlled rotation in both directions. This hydraulic system provides sufficient force for heavy ploughs while maintaining reliability through fluid-based actuation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple hydraulic cylinders are used for alignment and rotation, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment and rotation control functions into a single integrated spool valve assembly. The first spool (6) controls the alignment cylinder (10) while the second spool (7) controls the rotation cylinder (12), both within the same valve body (3). This merging reduces overall system complexity despite managing multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls both alignment and rotation cylinders, manages fluid flow in both forward and reverse operations, and coordinates sequential actuation of different plough components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function.
3Extent of automation
If a hydraulic sequencing circuit with multiple spools is used, then the automation level is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spool valve system automatically sequences the plough operation through its own internal hydraulic connections. When the alignment cylinder reaches its endpoint, the system automatically transitions fluid flow to actuate the rotation cylinder without external intervention. The valve structure self-regulates the operation sequence based on cylinder positions and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool valve acts as an intermediary that automatically mediates between the hydraulic pump and the cylinders. It sequences the delivery of pressurized fluid to different cylinders based on operational requirements, providing automatic control while simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the control logic in the valve assembly.
4Measurement precision
If relief valves are used to control the working sequence, then the measurement precision of cylinder position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relief valves (2, 5) provide feedback-based position detection. When a cylinder reaches its predetermined endpoint, the pressure builds up and automatically opens the relief valve, which then directs fluid flow to the next component in the sequence. This pressure-feedback mechanism precisely detects cylinder positions and triggers the next operational step without requiring separate sensors or complex detection systems.
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
Ensures efficient and automatic alignment and rotation of reversible ploughs, with reliable reverse operation, overcoming mechanical jamming and improving control precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic sequencing circuit which is configured to control the work-fluid flow and pressure at specific locations of the valve structure for moving the spools
Implementation Method 2
a check valve arranged in the third connection duct and configured to allow the work-fluid to flow from the second hydraulic cylinder to the tank in the second reversed configuration of the plough
Data Source
AI summary
A valve structure (1) for driving reversible ploughs (40), comprising a first port (3) adapted to be in fluid communication with a pump (P) in a first configuration of the plough (40) and adapted to be in fluid communication with a tank (T) in a second reversed configuration of the plough (40), and a second port (4) adapted to be in fluid communication with the tank (T) in the first configuration of the plough (40) and adapted to be in fluid communication with the pump (P) in the second reversed configuration of the plough (40), a body (2) which includes a first seat (5) and a second seat (6), the seats housing respective moving spools (13, 14), a first interconnection port (7a) for the connection of the valve structure (1) to a first chamber (10a) of a first hydraulic cylinder (10) for longitudinally aligning the plough (40), and a second interconnection port (7b) for the connection to a second chamber (10b) of the first hydraulic cylinder (10), a third interconnection port (8a) for the connection of the valve structure (1) to a first chamber (12a) of a second hydraulic cylinder (12) for reversing the plough (40), and a fourth interconnection port (8b) for the connection to a second chamber (12b) of the second hydraulic cylinder (12). The valve structure (1) comprises hydraulic components configured to control the relative displacement of the spools (13, 14) to automatically control the movement of the cylinders (10, 12). A check valve (31) enables the fluid to flow in the second reversed configuration of the plough (40).