Servo Valve Ejector Column Design for Vibration Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing servovalves with jet pilot stages require fluid to be channeled to the ejector over the moving assembly, which complicates the design and increases vulnerability to pollution and vibration, as well as dynamic response issues due to the need for hydraulic supply through the lower face.

Innovation Solution

A movable ejector design with a torsion column that extends radially from a central orifice, where the column is embedded at one end and connected to a torque motor at the other, allowing for precise angular control of the ejector without the need for an ejector supply conduit over the distribution assembly, enhancing resistance to vibration and dynamic response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluid is channeled to the ejector over the moving assembly, then the ejector can be positioned to generate pressure differentials, but the design becomes more complex and vulnerable to pollution and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to pollution and vibrationVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the ejector extend radially from a central column rather than being supplied from above. The column is embedded through the lower face of the servovalve body, reversing the typical fluid supply direction and eliminating the need for conduits over the moving assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The central column serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural support for the ejector, the fluid supply conduit, and the mounting element for the torque motor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a torque motor is used to twist the column for ejector control, then fine angular control is achieved, but the proportionality between motor action and ejector movement must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position controlVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a direct torque motor-to-column connection. The torque motor twists the column directly, eliminating intermediate mechanical transmission elements and maintaining a simple, proportional relationship between motor input and ejector angular position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the column is made as one piece, then moving parts and seals are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduction of moving parts and sealsVSAvoidcolumn manufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the column structure into a single integral piece that combines the support function, fluid conduit function, and torque motor mounting function. This eliminates the need for separate components and seals, reducing leakage points and moving parts despite increased demands on the single piece's manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a simpler control stage with improved resistance to vibration and dynamic response by maintaining high proportionality between motor action and ejector movement, reducing moving parts and seals, and allowing for fine control of the angular position of the ejector.

Implementation Method 1

the latter being subjected to the stress of a torque motor at its other end to selectively twist the column one way or another about a rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

an ejector for ejecting a jet of fluid to a receiver, such as a deflector or orifice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP2598757B1Vorsteuerstuffe eines servoventils und zweistuffiges servoventil mit einer solchen vorsteuerstuffe
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 ZODIAC HYDRAULICS SAS
  • EP2598757B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2598757B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2598757B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a driving stage for a two-stage servo valve, the driving stage being of the jet type, comprising an ejector (20) for ejecting a fluid jet and which is movable opposite a baffle (6) capable of generating a pressure differential that can be used to move a slide (3) of the servo valve. According to the invention, the ejector (20) radially projects from a column (21) to which the ejector (20) is rigidly connected, while being in fluid communication with a central opening (22) of the column through which fluid is supplied to the ejector, the column having a first end which is fitted onto the servo valve (23) and through which the fluid is fed into the column, and the column having a second end that is subjected to the load of a torque motor (26) for selectively twisting the column in one direction or the other about a starting position.