Valve System for Pneumatic Cylinder Bidirectional Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic cylinder systems lack efficient control mechanisms for bidirectional actuation of extensible rods, relying on gas pressure and requiring complex pneumatic line configurations, which can lead to clutter and increased risk of hose failures.
Innovation Solution
A valve system comprising a first valve assembly with a check valve and flow control valve, and a second valve assembly, both compatible with multiple thread configurations, allowing for bidirectional actuation of the extensible rod by directing pressurized gas through pilot ports and flow control valves to extend or retract the rod, while minimizing hose requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex pneumatic line configurations are used for bidirectional actuation, then control capability is improved, but device complexity and hose requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (check valve, flow control valve, pilot valve) into integrated valve assemblies that mount directly to the cylinder ports. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate pneumatic components and interconnections needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full bidirectional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the first valve assembly provides both check valve functionality for maintaining pressure and flow control for regulating gas flow, while also incorporating a pilot port for controlling the second valve. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Ease of operation
If multiple hoses are used for pneumatic line configuration, then control capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased risk of hose failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pilot control function from requiring a separate hose connection by incorporating a pilot port directly into the first valve assembly that can be controlled through the existing pneumatic lines. This eliminates the need for additional hoses while maintaining the ability to control both valve assemblies independently for bidirectional operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard valve assemblies are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different thread configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assemblies are designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple thread configurations (NPT, NPTF, BSPP, BSPT, JIS PF) through standardized mounting interfaces. This allows the same valve assembly design to be manufactured once and adapted to various cylinder port thread types, enhancing versatility without requiring different manufacturing processes for each thread type.
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 valve system enables efficient, space-saving bidirectional actuation of pneumatic cylinders with reduced hose complexity, enhancing operational reliability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve (44) biased toward a closed state by a biasing member (60)
Implementation Method 2
Pneumatic cylinders utilize a compressed gas to produce a force and axially translate an extensible rod and piston
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system, for use with a cylinder having an extensible rod, includes a first valve assembly having 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 source of pressurized gas for opening the check valve. The valve system further includes a second valve assembly having 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.