Integrated Valve System for Pneumatic Cylinder Leakage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic cylinder valve systems lack efficient control mechanisms for directing pressurized gas flow to extend and retract extensible rods, leading to inefficiencies and potential leakage due to the absence of integrated check valves and flow control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A valve system with integrated check valves and flow control valves, including a first valve assembly with a check valve and a second valve assembly without a check valve, both connected to a three-position valve to control gas flow into and out of the cylinder's chambers, allowing for precise extension and retraction operations and minimizing leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a valve system lacks integrated check valves and flow control mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but gas flow control precision and leakage prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve system structureVSAvoidgas flow control and leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions (check valve and flow control valve) into a single integrated valve body. The check valve assembly and flow control valve assembly are merged within one valve body, allowing gas flow control and leakage prevention functions to be performed by a single integrated component rather than separate valves, thus maintaining reliability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the main gas flow control valve, contains the check valve assembly for automatic return flow control, and incorporates the flow control valve assembly for regulated gas flow. This multi-functionality ensures reliable gas flow control and leakage prevention without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If check valves are added to control gas flow direction, then gas flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow control precisionVSAvoidvalve assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve assembly is nested within the valve body, with the check valve seat and check valve member positioned inside the valve chamber. The flow control valve assembly is also integrated within the same valve body structure. This nesting arrangement allows multiple valve functions to be contained within a single compact assembly, improving gas flow control precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If multiple valve assemblies are integrated in one valve body, then operational efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidvalve body fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is divided into functional segments: a valve chamber containing the check valve assembly, a flow control valve assembly with its own chamber, and interconnected gas flow passages. Each segment can be designed and manufactured separately using standard machining processes, then assembled into the complete valve body. This segmentation approach maintains operational efficiency while facilitating easier manufacturing compared to a fully monolithic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enables efficient control of gas flow for precise extension and retraction of the extensible rod, reducing leakage and improving operational efficiency by utilizing check valves and flow control mechanisms to manage gas pressure effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a check valve biased toward a closed state, the check valve having a check valve body at least partially receivable within a first port of the cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a flow control valve positioned in series between the first inlet/outlet port and the check valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restriction: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 3

a first pilot port selectively communicable with a source of pressurized gas for opening the check valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10480542B2Valve system for pneumatic cylinders

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 ALADDIN ENG & MFG

AI summary

A valve system for use with a cylinder having an extensible rod, includes a first valve assembly including a first inlet/outlet port, a check valve biased toward a closed state, the check valve having a check valve body at least partially receivable within a first port of the cylinder, a flow control valve positioned in series between the first inlet/outlet port and the check valve, and a first pilot port selectively communicable with a pressurized gas for opening the check valve. The valve system further includes a second valve assembly including a second inlet/outlet port, a second pilot port through which the pressurized gas must flow before being introduced to the first pilot port, and a valve body at least partially receivable within a second port of the cylinder, wherein the second inlet/outlet port and the second pilot port are integrally formed as a portion of the valve body.