PWM Solenoid Valve Control for Variable-Displacement Pump Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electro-hydraulic control systems for variable-displacement hydraulic pumps, particularly those using spool valves, suffer from high mass, longer valve strokes, slower response times, higher leakage, and larger power requirements, which are undesirable for applications like aircraft systems.

Innovation Solution

Employing Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) electro-hydraulic solenoid valves to regulate fluid conductivity, replacing traditional spool valves, which provide faster switching, lower leakage, and more efficient control of fluid displacement in variable-displacement hydraulic pumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional spool valves are used for electro-hydraulic control, then fluid conductivity control is achieved, but response time is slow and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spool valves with electro-hydraulic solenoid valves that use electromagnetic fields to control fluid flow. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical spool movement, achieving faster response times and lower power consumption through electromagnetic actuation of pilot holes and fluid paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid valves utilize periodic electromagnetic activation to control fluid conductivity through pilot holes. By applying electrical signals periodically to open and close pilot holes, the system achieves precise control with rapid response times and reduced energy consumption compared to continuous mechanical spool positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If spool valves are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but leakage is higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage controlVSAvoidfluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical spool sealing with electromagnetic control of pilot holes. The solenoid valves use electromagnetic fields to precisely open and close fluid paths, eliminating the leakage issues associated with mechanical spool seals and providing more reliable fluid flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If spool valves are used for control, then fluid conductivity regulation is achieved, but device mass is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve structureVSAvoidvalve mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical spool valve structures with lighter electro-hydraulic solenoid valves. The electromagnetic actuation mechanism requires less mass than mechanical spools while achieving the same fluid control function, reducing overall device weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Length of moving object

If spool valves are used, then fluid path control is achieved, but valve stroke length is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve strokeVSAvoidswitching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical valve stroke by using electromagnetic fields to control fluid paths through pilot holes. The solenoid valves achieve rapid switching by opening and closing fluid paths electromagnetically without requiring physical spool movement, thereby eliminating stroke length constraints and achieving faster switching speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 PWM solenoid valves offer faster response times, lower power consumption, and reduced leakage, enhancing the efficiency and control precision of hydraulic fluid displacement in variable-displacement pumps.

Implementation Method 1

electro-hydraulic solenoid valve... regulating fluid conductivity therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20250389267A1Solenoid concept for pump control of a variable displacement piston pump

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

Apparatus and associated methods relate to using an electro-hydraulic solenoid valve to provide regulation of fluid displacement of a variable-displacement hydraulic pump. A mechanical control mechanism is configured to control displacement of hydraulic fluid pumped from a hydraulic input port to a hydraulic output port. The electro-hydraulic solenoid valve regulates fluid conductivity between a hydraulic output port of the variable-displacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic control cylinder, which operates a hydraulic control piston coupled to the mechanical control mechanism controlling fluid displacement. An electronic control unit is configured to generate and transmit an electrical control signal to the electro-hydraulic solenoid valve in response to a metric of the variable-displacement hydraulic pump as measured by a transducer. The electronic control unit generates the electrical control signal so as to control the metric measured to within a predetermined control band about a target value.