Sequence Valve for Hydraulic Accumulator Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic circuits with pressure responsive flow sources face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow to recharge accumulators and manage energy storage, as existing solutions lack precise control mechanisms to adjust flow based on accumulator pressure settings.
Innovation Solution
A sequence valve with a valve spool and actuator piston, responsive to fluid pressure signals, controls communication between flow source and control signal ports, adjusting flow to match accumulator pressure settings, using an orifice to manage pressure differentials and a differential in cross-sectional areas to establish high and low pressure settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure responsive flow source is used to power hydraulic loads with an accumulator, then energy storage and flow control are enabled, but precise control of fluid flow to recharge the accumulator is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence valve uses feedback from accumulator pressure to automatically control the flow source. The valve spool responds to pressure differential between the accumulator port and control signal port, creating a closed-loop control system that precisely regulates flow without complex external control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The sequence valve acts as an intermediary device between the accumulator and the pressure responsive flow source. It translates accumulator pressure conditions into control signals that automatically adjust the flow source output, providing precise control while keeping the flow source itself relatively simple
2Reliability
If the accumulator is continuously recharged to maintain pressure, then energy availability is ensured, but horsepower requirements increase due to unnecessary power usage
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence valve enables periodic charging action rather than continuous operation. The flow source operates intermittently - charging the accumulator when pressure drops below the differential threshold and stopping when the threshold is reached - thereby ensuring energy availability while minimizing horsepower requirements by eliminating unnecessary continuous power usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the accumulator's own pressure to control its recharging. When accumulator pressure drops, the pressure differential automatically triggers the sequence valve to activate the flow source for recharging. When pressure is sufficient, the system self-regulates and stops charging, eliminating the need for external control and preventing unnecessary power consumption
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 sequence valve effectively manages accumulator charging and discharging by providing variable fluid pressure control signals, optimizing energy storage and reducing horsepower requirements by adjusting flow according to accumulator pressure, enhancing system efficiency and reducing unnecessary power usage.
Implementation Method 1
The spool is moved by a spring, by the fluid pressure control signal, and by the piston. The piston is moved by accumulator pressure and by the fluid pressure control signal.
Implementation Method 2
an orifice is disposed between the flow source port and the fluid pressure control signal port, to reduce fluid pressure from the flow source port to the control signal port when fluid is flowing therebetween
Implementation Method 3
The spool is moved by a spring, by the fluid pressure control signal, and by the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A sequence valve for a hydraulic circuit provides a control signal through a control signal port to a pressure responsive flow source to maintain pressure in an accumulator between a low pressure setting and a high pressure setting. The valve includes accumulator, flow source and drain ports, in addition to the control signal port. A spool controls communication between the control signal port and the drain port. A piston is moved by pressure in the accumulator port against a control spring to close communication between the control signal port and the flow source port, and to move the valve spool to close communication between control signal port and the drain port. A differential between the net cross sectional area of the spool establishes the differential between the high and low pressure settings of the accumulator.