Single-Spool Four-Position Valve With Spring-Return Intermediates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of four-position switching valves due to the presence of two spools and two return springs makes the manufacturing process difficult.
Innovation Solution
A simplified four-position switching valve design using a single spool with a spool moving mechanism that employs a spring member and driving parts to switch between four positions, reducing the need for multiple springs and spools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two spools and two return springs are provided in the valve hole, then the four-position switching valve can achieve the required switching functionality, but the component count increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate spools and two return springs into a single spool assembly with an integrated spring mechanism. The spool is provided with a spring member that accumulates elastic force in both directions, eliminating the need for separate return springs on each spool end. This integration maintains the four-position switching functionality while reducing component count and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single spool assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the switching mechanism and the return spring functionality through its integrated spring member. The spring member can accumulate elastic force in either direction depending on which driving part applies pressure, making the spool assembly a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated parts.
2Reliability
If two spools and two return springs are provided in the valve hole, then the four-position switching valve can achieve the required switching functionality, but the manufacturing process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the spool and return spring functions into a single integrated spool assembly with an internal spring member, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the reliable four-position switching functionality.
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 the structure and manufacturing process while maintaining the functionality of the valve, allowing easy switching between four positions with a single spool and spring mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that accumulates an elastic force for pushing-back the spool in the direction of the one-end-side switching position as the first driving part moves the spool to the other-end-side switching position and accumulates an elastic force for pushing-back the spool in the direction of the other-end-side switching position as the second driving part moves the spool to the one-end-side switching position
Implementation Method 2
a first driving part that is disposed at one end of the spool in the axial direction and presses the spool toward the other end side in the axial direction to move the spool to another end-side switching position; a second driving part that is disposed at the other end of the spool in the axial direction and presses the spool toward one end side in the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A four-position switching valve includes first and second pistons for driving a spool in a valve body, and a spool moving mechanism part that moves the spool to first and second intermediate switching positions between one-end side and the other-end-side switching positions. The spool moving mechanism part includes a compression spring that moves the spool back in the opposite direction by moving to the switching position on one end side and the other end side of the spool. The compression spring moves the spool to the first intermediate switching position when the spool moves to one-end-side switching position and the pressure on the second piston is released, and moves the spool to the second intermediate switching position when the spool moves to the other-end-side switching position and the pressure on the first piston is released.