Self-Setting Valve Assembly for Power Steering Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power steering gear assemblies face high power consumption due to increased working fluid temperature as the hydraulic pump operates at pressure relief near end of travel stops, leading to inefficiencies and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A self-setting valve assembly is introduced, comprising a plug, plungers, and a biasing member, which facilitates fluid communication between chambers to release hydraulic pressure, preventing the hydraulic pump from operating at pressure relief and maintaining low operating temperatures by allowing fluid circulation through the gear housing, hydraulic cylinder, gear, hoses, cooler, and reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the hydraulic pump operates at pressure relief near end of travel stops, then the hydraulic power assist function is maintained, but the working fluid temperature increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic pressure relief function from the main hydraulic circuit by introducing a separate pressure relief valve assembly that bypasses the pump. This allows the pump to maintain power assist while the valve assembly separately manages pressure relief and fluid temperature control, preventing the conversion of hydraulic power to heat at the pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve assembly acts as an intermediary component between the hydraulic pump and the steering mechanism. It provides a separate pathway for pressure relief and fluid circulation, mediating the pressure management function away from the pump to prevent overheating while maintaining the power assist capability.
2Ease of operation
If the hydraulic pump operates at pressure relief, then the steering function is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the pressure relief function from the power assist function by extracting it into a dedicated valve assembly. This allows the steering function to be maintained through the valve assembly's pressure regulation while the pump operates more efficiently with reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve assembly is designed to automatically regulate pressure and manage fluid circulation without external control. This self-service mechanism maintains the steering function while optimizing power consumption by preventing unnecessary pressure buildup at the pump.
3Power
If the hydraulic pump operates at pressure relief, then the hydraulic power assist is maintained, but the working fluid temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of pressure relief (heat generation) into a beneficial controlled process by routing the relief fluid through the valve assembly's internal passages and cooler. This transforms waste heat into a controlled thermal management opportunity, maintaining power assist while reducing energy loss to heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves as an intermediary that intercepts the hydraulic fluid before it returns to the pump, providing a controlled pathway for pressure relief and heat dissipation. This prevents the direct conversion of hydraulic power to heat at the pump while maintaining the necessary power assist function.
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 self-setting valve assembly effectively reduces pressure within the power steering gear assembly, preventing overheating and maintaining efficient operation by enabling fluid communication between chambers, thus reducing power consumption and extending the lifespan of components.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, which is arranged to bias the first plunger and the second plunger
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic pump may be operating at pressure relief and the hydraulic power may be converted to heat and thus increase the working fluid temperature within the hydraulic pump
Data Source
AI summary
A self-setting valve assembly for a power steering gear assembly includes a plug, a first plunger, a second plunger, and a biasing member. The plug extends between a first end and a second end. The plug defines a cavity that is disposed between the first end and the second end, a first bore that extends from the first end to the cavity, and a second bore that extends from the second end to the cavity. The first plunger has a first head that is disposed within the cavity and a first stem that extends from the first head through the first bore. The second plunger has a second head that is disposed within the cavity and a second stem that extends from the first head through the second bore. The biasing member is disposed within the bore and extending between the first head and the second head.