Hydraulic Pressure Amplifier Control Valve for Fail-Safe Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic pressure amplifier arrangements face challenges in efficiently releasing pressure at the high pressure port without unnecessary energy consumption, particularly in applications like clamping mechanisms where high clamping forces are required without a high-pressure source.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic pressure amplifier arrangement with a control valve operated by the pressure difference between the high pressure port and the supply port, allowing for a short circuit between the high pressure and return ports, and additional check valves to prevent leakage and maintain pressure, utilizing existing forces within the system to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control valve is added to release pressure at the high pressure port, then pressure release capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed to open automatically when the supply pressure drops below the high pressure port pressure, enabling the system to release pressure autonomously without external control signals or additional actuators
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a externally controlled valve to release pressure, the invention uses a valve that opens when supply pressure fails or drops, inverting the conventional control logic from active closure to passive failure-safe opening
2Reliability
If the control valve is held closed during normal operation, then pressure maintenance is improved, but energy loss increases when pressure release is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve uses the existing pressure differential between the supply port and high pressure port to automatically open and close, eliminating the need for external actuators or additional energy input for valve operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces potential mechanical or externally-powered valve actuation systems with a purely hydraulic pressure-differential actuation mechanism, reducing energy consumption and system complexity
3Reliability
If the control valve opens automatically when supply pressure drops, then safety is improved, but unintended pressure loss may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed with a check valve mechanism that prevents reverse flow and unintended opening, providing preliminary protection against harmful pressure loss while maintaining fail-safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates a pressure ratio threshold mechanism where the control pressure area ratio exceeds the amplification factor, creating a precise pressure differential threshold that must be exceeded for valve opening, preventing unintended activation
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 safe and efficient pressure release at the high pressure port, preventing damage and minimizing energy consumption by leveraging existing forces and check valves to maintain pressure and prevent leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the control valve is controlled by a pressure difference between the high pressure port and the supply port
Implementation Method 2
a pressure acting on the first pressure area loads the control valve in a closing direction and a pressure acting on the second pressure area loads the control valve in an opening direction
Implementation Method 3
the control valve comprises a check valve interrupting in the closed condition of the control valve the connection between the high pressure port and the return port
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A hydraulic pressure amplifier arrangement (1) comprising a supply port (IN), a return port (R), a high pressure port (H1), and a pressure amplifier unit (2) having a low pressure inlet (3) connected to the supply port (IN) and a high pressure outlet (4) connected to the high pressure port (H1) is described, wherein the pressure amplifier unit (2) comprises an amplification factor. In such a hydraulic pressure amplifier arrangement it should be possible to allow simply releasing off pressure at the high pressure port while keeping small unnecessary energy consumption. To this end a control valve (8) is arranged in a connection between the high pressure port (H1) and the return port (R).