Single Actuator Valve Unit for Fluid Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve units for fluid working machines are complex, large, and inefficient due to separate actuators for low and high pressure valves, leading to increased dead volume and magnetic losses.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve unit design where a single actuator is used to control both low and high pressure valves through a coupling that extends through the high pressure valve member, reducing dead volume and magnetic losses by positioning the armature closer to the solenoid, and utilizing a hydraulic connector for resilient force transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are used for low and high pressure valves, then each valve can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators into a single actuator that controls both the low pressure valve and high pressure valve. The actuator includes a single solenoid coil that generates magnetic flux to move a shared armature, which is mechanically coupled to both valve members through connecting rods, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining independent valve control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both the low pressure valve member and high pressure valve member. The magnetic circuit and armature mechanism serve universally for actuating either valve depending on the operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuators for each valve
2Reliability
If separate actuators are used for low and high pressure valves, then each valve has dedicated actuation, but the valve unit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation mechanisms for both valves into a single compact actuator assembly. The shared solenoid coil, armature, and magnetic circuit occupy a single space that would otherwise require two separate actuator volumes, thereby reducing the overall valve unit size while maintaining dedicated actuation capability for each valve through the mechanical coupling system
3Ease of manufacture
If armatures are positioned farther from solenoid, then there is more space for component arrangement, but magnetic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the local magnetic circuit geometry by positioning the armature as close as possible to the solenoid coil, minimizing the magnetic path length and reducing magnetic losses in this critical local region. The compact arrangement ensures high magnetic coupling efficiency between the coil and armature, compensating for the reduced overall component arrangement space
4Reliability
If dead volume is increased, then there is more space for fluid cushioning, but the valve unit becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the low pressure valve and high pressure valve components within each other's spatial envelope. The connector for the low pressure valve extends through the high pressure valve member, and the armature positioning allows both valves to share the same compact volume, achieving fluid cushioning functionality without increasing the overall valve unit size
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 design simplifies manufacturing, reduces the size and complexity of the valve unit, increases reliability, and enhances energy efficiency by minimizing magnetic losses and dead volume.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, which is actuatable to apply a force to urge the first valve member away from or towards the one or more first valve seats
Implementation Method 2
WO2013018146 A1 (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.) discloses a pair of valve members influenced by a single solenoid coil
Data Source
AI summary
A valve unit for regulating the flow of working fluid between a working chamber of a fluid working machine and both a first working fluid line and second working fluid line, the valve unit comprising: a first valve comprising a first valve member and one or more cooperating first valve seats, a second valve comprising a second valve member and one or more cooperating second valve seats, an actuator coupled to both the first and second valve members through which a force may be applied to urge the first valve member open or closed and to urge the second valve member open or closed, a coupling between the actuator and the first valve member, wherein the coupling between the actuator and the first valve member comprises a connector which extends at least partially through the second valve member.