Servo Valve Lever Mechanism for Reduced Actuation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing servo valves require significant effort to switch the closing element between open and closed positions due to the pressure conditions within the valve, which limits their efficiency in fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a lever with a core and a jacket made of sealing material, featuring a lever bearing that divides the lever into two arms with a favorable ratio, allowing for reduced force requirements to open and close the pressure relief bore, and a bistable coil actuation mechanism that uses low electrical power to pivot the lever, enabling easy switching between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pilot valve is used to control the closing element, then the valve can be switched with less effort, but the forces required to open and close the pressure relief bore remain significant
Solution Approach 1:
A lever is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element between the pilot valve actuator and the pressure relief bore. The lever pivots about a bearing and translates small axial movements of the pilot valve into larger rotational movements that efficiently open and close the pressure relief bore, reducing the force requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The lever converts axial linear motion from the pilot valve actuator into rotational motion about a pivot point. This dimensional transformation allows small axial displacements to produce effective rotational leverage for opening and closing the pressure relief bore with reduced force
2Ease of operation
If a larger pilot valve is used to reduce switching effort, then more force is available, but the valve size and stagnant water areas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as a force and motion amplifier, allowing a small pilot valve to control a larger main valve. The lever mechanism provides mechanical advantage that compensates for the small size of the pilot valve, enabling efficient control without increasing valve volume or creating stagnant water areas
Solution Approach 2:
The lever and lever bearing are integrated into the existing valve structure in a compact arrangement. The lever pivots within the valve body, and the lever bearing is positioned to minimize space requirements, allowing the mechanism to fit within the existing valve envelope without increasing overall size
3Force
If the lever bearing is positioned closer to the pressure relief bore, then less force is needed at the actuation end, but the lever arm length and valve complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lever bearing is positioned at an optimized location along the lever to achieve the desired force reduction. This specific local positioning creates appropriate lever arm ratios that provide mechanical advantage while maintaining a simple, compact overall structure. The bearing location is designed to balance force requirements with structural simplicity
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 configuration reduces the forces needed to switch the closing element, allowing for efficient fluid flow control with minimal energy consumption and a compact, hygienic design that minimizes stagnant water areas.
Implementation Method 1
the lever has a lever bearing about which the lever is pivotably mounted. The lever can be pivoted in a defined manner around the lever bearing in the manner of a seesaw
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element is pierced by the lever, with the sealing element enclosing the relief end of the lever
Implementation Method 3
the actuation end is controlled via a coil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve, in particular a servo valve, with a valve seat (2) closable by a closing element (3), and a pilot valve (20), by means of which the closing element (3) can be switched between an opening and a closing position, the pilot valve (20) having a pivotally mounted lever (30) for switching the closing element (3). Another subject matter of the invention is a method for switching a valve (1), in particular a servo valve, using a valve seat (2) closable by a closing element (3) and a pilot valve (20), by means of which the closing element (3) can be switched between an opening and a closing position, the pilot valve (20) being switched by means of a pivotally mounted lever (30).