Counter Pressure Valve Arrangement for Stable Return-Line Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems face the risk of cavitation in hydraulic actuators due to restricted fluid supply, particularly during float and regenerative operating conditions, where the actuator struggles to suck low-pressure fluid from the tank.
Innovation Solution
A counter pressure valve arrangement with a moveable valve member, connecting the hydraulic actuator's return line to a tank and a pressurized fluid source, allowing for active refill and pressure relief by shifting between two positions to manage fluid communication, thereby reducing cavitation risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive counter pressure functionality is used to maintain refill capacity, then the hydraulic actuator can operate under float and regenerative conditions, but the pressure level becomes unstable and cavitation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive counter pressure functionality with active refill functionality into a single integrated valve arrangement. The counter pressure valve merges two previously separate functions (maintaining pressure and active refill) into one component system, allowing simultaneous pressure stabilization and active fluid replenishment to prevent cavitation
Solution Approach 2:
The counter pressure valve acts as an intermediary component between the hydraulic actuator and the fluid supply system. It mediates the pressure levels and fluid flow by introducing a controllable pressure barrier that can actively regulate fluid communication, stabilizing the pressure while maintaining refill capacity
2Reliability
If separate counter pressure valve and refill valve are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates counter pressure regulation and active refill functions into a single valve arrangement with shared components. The valve body, valve member, and housing structure serve dual purposes, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining both functions' effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The counter pressure valve is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs pressure regulation and active refill operations. The valve member can position itself to achieve different flow paths, enabling one component to fulfill multiple hydraulic control functions that previously required separate valves
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
This solution effectively merges counter pressure and active refill functionalities in a compact, cost-efficient design, reducing the risk of cavitation by maintaining a stable pressure level in the return line, even under varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a counter pressure valve having: a moveable valve member; a counter pressure regulating port configured for being connected to the hydraulic actuator arrangement via the return line; a tank port configured for being connected to a tank or low pressure reservoir for storing low pressure hydraulic fluid; and a pump port configured for being connected to a source of pressurised hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
there is provided a counter pressure valve arrangement and a method for controlling a pressure level of a hydraulic fluid in a return line from a hydraulic actuator arrangement... effectively reducing the risk for cavitation in the one or more hydraulic consumers
Data Source
AI summary
A counter pressure valve arrangement for controlling a pressure level of a hydraulic fluid in a return line from a hydraulic actuator arrangement. The counter pressure valve arrangement comprises a counter pressure valve having: a moveable valve member; a counter pressure regulating port configured for being connected to the hydraulic actuator arrangement via the return line; a tank port configured for being connected to a tank or low pressure reservoir for storing low pressure hydraulic fluid; and a pump port configured for being connected to a source of pressurised hydraulic fluid. A first position of the valve member effects fluid communication between the pump port and the counter pressure regulating port for supplying pressurised hydraulic fluid to the return line, and a second position of the valve member effects fluid communication between the counter pressure regulating port and the tank port for discharging hydraulic fluid from the return line to the tank.