Hydraulic Relief Valve Threaded Calibration Without Shimming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic pressure relief valves require time-consuming and resource-intensive shimming processes to calibrate spring force, involving disassembly and trial-and-error methods, which can be inefficient and require specific shim sizes not always available.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief valve with an integrated calibration mechanism using an orifice plate and adapter with threaded engagement, allowing precise adjustment of spring force without disassembly, using a tool to rotate and translate the orifice plate for precise calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shimming method is used to calibrate spring force, then spring force can be adjusted to desired pressure level, but calibration process becomes time-consuming and requires disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice plate serves dual functions: it restricts fluid flow through its orifice and simultaneously calibrates spring force through its threaded engagement with the adapter. By integrating the calibration function into an existing component, the system performs self-calibration without requiring external shims or disassembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flow restriction function and the calibration function into a single orifice plate component. The threaded holes in the orifice plate allow it to engage with calibration members on the adapter, merging what were previously separate functions (flow control and calibration adjustment) into one integrated component
2Measurement precision
If shimming method is used to calibrate spring force, then desired spring force can be achieved, but process requires trial and error and multiple shims of specific sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice plate with threaded holes performs self-calibration by engaging with calibration members through its threads. This eliminates the need for external shims and trial-and-error procedures, as the orifice plate itself provides the calibration mechanism through its threaded engagement features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the traditional shimming process and integrates it directly into the orifice plate structure. By incorporating threaded holes and engagement features directly on the orifice plate, the calibration capability is built into the component rather than requiring separate calibration elements
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional pressure relief valve design is used, then fluid flow can be restricted through orifice plate, but calibration requires disassembly and specialized shims
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice plate with integrated threaded holes performs self-calibration by engaging with calibration members. This eliminates the need for disassembly and specialized shims, as the calibration function is built into the orifice plate structure itself
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice plate serves multiple functions: it restricts fluid flow through its orifice, provides structural support, and enables calibration through its threaded engagement features. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration components and simplifies both manufacturing and maintenance
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 quick, precise, and efficient calibration of spring force with fewer parts, reducing the need for disassembly and the use of multiple shims, and allowing finer tuning than traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The orifice plate comprises exterior threads that engage with the interior threads of the adapter to couple the orifice plate to the adapter. The orifice plate translates via engagement of the exterior threads with the interior threads to calibrate a spring force of the spring.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a pressure relief valve is described. The pressure relief valve comprises a housing configured to allow fluid flow therethrough. The pressure relief valve also comprises an adapter having interior threads, where the adapter is attached to the housing such that the adapter is positioned at least partially within the housing. The pressure relief valve also comprises an orifice plate having an orifice formed therein to allow fluid flow therethrough, where the orifice plate comprises exterior threads that engage with the interior threads of the adapter to couple the orifice plate to the adapter. The pressure relief valve also comprises a spring disposed within the housing. The orifice plate translates via engagement of the exterior threads with the interior threads to calibrate a spring force of the spring.