Split Valve Body Control for Fast Low-Pressure Fluid Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid control valves with a relief function lack high responsiveness when the pressure of the working fluid is low due to the mass and fluid resistance of the moving valve body.

Innovation Solution

The fluid control valve is designed with an axially divided valve body, comprising a base portion and an opening and closing portion, where the opening and closing portion moves against a low-spring force second biasing member before the base portion, allowing for high responsiveness at low pressures, and the base portion moves against both biasing members at high pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a single valve body is used with series biasing members, then the valve can discharge working fluid at both low and high pressures, but the responsiveness is insufficient due to the mass and fluid resistance of the moving valve body

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidvalve body structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is divided into a base portion and an opening/closing portion that can move relative to each other axially. The opening/closing portion has a smaller mass than the complete valve body, enabling faster response. The segmentation allows different portions to move independently based on pressure conditions, resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body transitions from a static, monolithic structure to a dynamic, multi-component structure where the opening/closing portion can move independently. This dynamic configuration allows the lighter opening/closing portion to respond quickly to pressure changes while the base portion remains stable, achieving high responsiveness without compromising structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the valve body moves against the first biasing member with high spring force, then the valve can maintain stable closed state, but the responsiveness at low pressure is reduced due to the force required to move the valve body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponsiveness at low pressureVSAvoidbiasing force
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is segmented into a base portion biased by the high-force first biasing member and an opening/closing portion biased by the low-force second biasing member. This segmentation allows the opening/closing portion to move with minimal force at low pressures, achieving high responsiveness while the base portion maintains stable closure through the stronger first biasing member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the valve body are assigned different biasing forces tailored to their specific functions. The opening/closing portion requires only low force for quick response, while the base portion requires high force for stable closure. This local differentiation of biasing force resolves the contradiction between responsiveness and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If a dual biasing member system is used with different spring forces, then the valve can achieve high responsiveness, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidbiasing member arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual biasing member system merges the functions of high-force stabilization and low-force responsiveness into a single integrated valve body structure. The first and second biasing members work together on different portions of the valve body, achieving high responsiveness without requiring separate valve mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the base portion handles high-pressure stabilization through the first biasing member, while the opening/closing portion handles low-pressure responsiveness through the second biasing member. This multi-functionality within a single integrated structure minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving high responsiveness across different pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This design provides a highly responsive fluid control valve that accurately controls fluid flow and pressure across varying pressure levels, maintaining stability and preventing contamination of the biasing member.

Implementation Method 1

a first biasing member configured to bias the valve body in a valve closing direction; and a second biasing member having a spring force lower than that of the first biasing member and configured to bias the valve body in the valve closing direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4553358B1Fluid control valve
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 EAGLE INDS
  • EP4553358B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4553358B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4553358B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a fluid control valve having extremely high responsiveness not only when a pressure of a working fluid of a first flow path is high but also when the pressure of the working fluid of the first flow path is low. A fluid control valve V includes: a valve seat 45a; a valve body 61 contacting and separating from the valve seat 45a; a first biasing member 64 biasing the valve body 61 in a valve closing direction; and a second biasing member 65 having a spring force lower than that of the first biasing means 64, wherein the valve body 61 is axially divided into a base portion 62 biased by the first biasing member 64 and an opening and closing portion 63 contacting and separating from the valve seat 45a, and the second biasing member 65 is disposed so that the base portion 62 and the opening and closing portion 63 are axially separable from each other.