Priority Fluid Supply Circuit With Integrated Auxiliary Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-operated circuits for supplying utilities with predefined priorities are complex, requiring multiple valve units and incur energy expenditure when discharging excess fluid, complicating their implementation and performance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fluid-operated circuit with integrated valve means and elastic means that control fluid flow to auxiliary utilities, incorporating a discharge position to minimize energy expenditure and streamline operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve units are used to control auxiliary utilities and discharge tank, then the control functionality is complete, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary utility control valve and the discharge tank control valve into a single integrated valve unit. This valve has multiple working positions that can selectively connect the supply line to different auxiliary utilities or to the discharge tank, eliminating the need for separate valve units and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining complete control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both auxiliary utility control and discharge tank control operations. By having multiple working positions, a single valve can route fluid to different destinations (different auxiliary utilities or discharge tank) based on operational requirements, making the valve universal and reducing the total number of components needed.
2Productivity
If the flushing valve is activated to discharge excess fluid, then the flow rate is managed, but energy expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is designed with variable displacement capability, allowing the pumping unit to adjust its flow rate dynamically based on actual system needs. When auxiliary utilities require less fluid, the valve directs excess flow to the discharge tank, and the pumping unit's displacement is reduced accordingly, minimizing energy expenditure while maintaining proper flow rate management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the excess fluid that would otherwise be wasted as a resource to perform the discharge function. By routing this excess flow through the integrated valve to the discharge tank, the system self-regulates its flow rate without requiring additional energy input, effectively using the available fluid resources to manage itself.
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 circuit achieves efficient and compact control of fluid flow to auxiliary utilities, minimizing energy loss and simplifying implementation by integrating discharge functionality into a single valve mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic means also operate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Fluid-operated circuit (1) for the supply of primary and auxiliary utilities with predefined priorities comprising: a variable displacement pump (2), one supply line (4) connected to the pump (2), one primary line (5) communicating with the supply line (4) and connectable to a first utility (UP) with primary priority, at least one auxiliary line (6, 6a, 6b) connectable to a relevant auxiliary utility (UA1, UA2) with lower predefined priority than the primary priority; valve means (7) located between the supply line (4) and the at least one auxiliary line (6, 6a, 6b) and movable between at least one home position and at least one work position; piloting means (8) of the valve means (7) comprising at least a first piloting line (9) operating to push them from the home position to the work position, a second piloting line (10) operating on opposite side of the first piloting line (9), and first elastic means (11) operating on the same side of the second piloting line (10); a discharge line (12) connectable to a discharge tank (T); wherein the piloting means (8) comprise additional elastic means (13) operating on the valve means (7) in combination with the first elastic means (11) and wherein the valve means (7) are movable to at least one discharge position when the force operating on the valve means (7) and depending on the pressure along the first piloting line (9) is greater than the force operating on the opposite side and depending on the action exerted by the first elastic means (11), by the additional elastic means (13) and by the pressure along the second piloting line (10).