Servovalve Spool Assembly With Locked Feedback Spring Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection between the feedback spring and the spool in servovalves is prone to wear, leading to loosening and reduced response due to movement, which affects the spool's ability to return to its null position effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves inserting a feedback spring into the spool's internal cavity and using fixing members with screw threads or deformable members to clamp and secure the spring in place, preventing relative movement and wear by adjusting and deforming the members to lock them into position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a ball is used to connect the feedback spring to the spool, then the assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but wear occurs at the contact surfaces leading to loosening and reduced response
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple components: the feedback spring, fixing members (screws), and locking members (pegs). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the fixing members clamp the spring while the locking members prevent loosening, thereby improving connection stability without complicating the overall assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing members are pre-configured with threading that engages with the spool before the feedback spring is fully installed. This preliminary action ensures that the spring is securely clamped in the correct position from the outset, preventing wear and loosening while maintaining ease of assembly through a straightforward sequential installation process
2Ease of operation
If the feedback spring is allowed to move relative to the spool, then adjustment is easier, but wear increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The feedback spring can be initially positioned and clamped by the fixing members, allowing for adjustment. Once positioned, the locking members (pegs) engage to lock the spring in place, preventing further movement and ensuring position accuracy is maintained during operation
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 solution ensures the feedback spring remains securely positioned, reducing wear and maintaining the spool's accuracy and responsiveness by preventing unwanted movement, thus enhancing the servovalve's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The spool may comprise a screw thread located on a surface of an internal cavity thereof, and at least one of the two members may comprise a screw thread that cooperates with the screw thread located on the surface of the spool, and the step of bringing the fixing members into respective set positions may comprise rotating the at least one of the fixing members such that it moves along the screw thread into its respective set position.
Implementation Method 2
The fixing members may comprise one or more deformable members, and the step of securing the fixing members in their respective set positions may comprise deforming the one or more deformable members from a first position, in which at least one of the fixing members is permitted to slide or move within the spool, to a second position, in which the at least one of the fixing members is not permitted to slide or move within the spool.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method of securing a feedback spring relative to a spool of a servovalve, the method comprising inserting the feedback spring at least partially into an internal cavity of the spool, inserting two fixing members into the internal cavity such that they each oppose a portion of the feedback spring, bringing the fixing members into respective set positions, such that the fixing members clamp the feedback spring and prevent relative movement between the feedback spring and the spool, and securing the fixing members in their respective set positions, such that the fixing members remain in their clamping positions and prevent relative movement between the feedback spring and the spool.