Slide Valve Gravity Positioning for Hydraulic Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide valves for double-acting hydraulic cylinders require energy to maintain position and often result in unwanted pressure build-up due to leakage, which increases energy consumption and costs.
Innovation Solution
A slide valve design with a valve slide acted upon by an actuator in one direction and a loading device in the opposite direction, featuring a diameter step and/or axially extending groove/flattening, allowing for hydraulic connection changes without energy input, preventing pressure build-up through an optimized venting cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional slide valve with axial and radial bores is used to control a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, then the valve can switch hydraulic flow, but energy is continuously consumed to maintain position and prevent unwanted pressure build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic continuous energy consumption by redesigning the valve bore structure. Instead of using a conventional valve with axial and radial bores that require continuous energy to maintain position, the patent uses a valve slide with a through-bore that allows passive gravity-based positioning, eliminating the need for continuous energy input while maintaining reliable position control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by allowing the valve slide to passively return to its neutral position through gravity rather than requiring active energy input. The through-bore design enables the valve to be acted upon by gravitational force, reversing the traditional mechanism where energy is continuously supplied to maintain position
2Productivity
If a conventional slide valve design is used, then the valve can actuate the hydraulic cylinder, but unwanted pressure build-up occurs due to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the valve bore into a through-bore design that separates the hydraulic flow paths more effectively. This segmentation prevents cross-leakage between chambers by creating distinct flow channels, thereby preventing unwanted pressure build-up while maintaining efficient actuation of the hydraulic cylinder
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional control sections and axial bores are added to the valve slide, then the valve can control both working ports, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies universality by designing a single through-bore in the valve slide that serves multiple functions: it controls both working ports, allows passive gravitational positioning, and prevents leakage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate axial and radial bores, reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability for controlling both working ports of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder
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
Enables efficient energy-saving operation by disconnecting working ports from supply pressure when not in use, reducing energy consumption and costs, while maintaining reliable actuation of double-acting hydraulic cylinders.
Implementation Method 1
The loading device is preferably an axially acting valve spring, which is designed, for example, as a helical spring
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is an electromagnet, for example
Implementation Method 3
the first working connection is hydraulically connected to the first outflow connection by means of the diameter step
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a slide valve (10) having a valve slide (20), which can be actuated by an actuator (50) in a first direction and by a force device (48) in a second direction, opposite the first, which can hydraulically connect a first operating connection (A) to a supply connection (P) or a drain connection (T1) and a second operating connection (B) to a/the supply connection (P) or a/the drain connection (T1, T2) by means of control sections (26, 28, 49), wherein a control section (26) allocated to the first operating connection (A) has a diameter stage (32) and/or a groove (40) extending axially and/or a flat portion (42) extending axially, so that when the actuator (50) does not actuate the valve slide (20), the first operating connection (A) is hydraulically connected to the drain connection (T1) by means of the diameter stage (32) and/or the groove (40) and/or the flat portion (42).