Pilot-Controlled Spool Valve Centering With Pressure-Dependent Flow Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pilot-controlled hydraulic spool valves experience abrupt centering, leading to operator discomfort due to sudden valve closure, causing a 'jumping effect' in hydraulic machinery.
Innovation Solution
A device with a manifold and hydraulic circuits that adjust the spool centering rate by implementing a flow control mechanism and bypass mechanism, allowing controlled-flow and unrestricted-flow conditions based on pilot fluid pressure, thereby dampening the spool's return to center without limiting its movement to left or right positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the spool centers abruptly in a conventional pilot-controlled hydraulic valve, then the valve closes quickly and responds rapidly, but this causes a jumping effect in the hydraulic machinery and operator discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a intermediary device with hydraulic circuits between the pilot valve and main hydraulic valve. This intermediary controls the flow of pilot fluid to the spool, transforming the abrupt centering signal into a controlled, gradual return to center position, thereby eliminating the jumping effect while maintaining system responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter of pilot fluid dynamically. By using flow control valves and restricted passages, the system adjusts the pilot fluid flow rate from high (during operation) to controlled low (during centering), enabling the spool to return to center smoothly rather than abruptly, thus preventing the jumping effect
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a flow control mechanism is added to adjust spool centering rate, then operator comfort improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydraulic control system into distinct functional circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for controlling spool centering flow rate, and a second hydraulic circuit for maintaining unrestricted flow during normal operation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each circuit's function while managing overall system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic flow control where the hydraulic circuits automatically adjust their flow characteristics based on operating conditions. Flow control valves and pressure-dependent restrictions enable the system to transition between controlled-flow and unrestricted-flow conditions, providing adaptive comfort without requiring complex manual control mechanisms
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 solution provides a gentle stop for hydraulic machinery, reduces operator discomfort, and maintains responsiveness, enhancing comfort and productivity while being adaptable for integration with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
based on a hydraulic fluid pressure of the second pilot port
Implementation Method 2
first hydraulic circuit connecting the first pilot port and the first valve port, wherein the first hydraulic circuit, based on a hydraulic fluid pressure of the second pilot port, comprises one of a controlled-flow condition and an unrestricted-flow condition
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and system for adjusting rate of spool centering in a pilot-controlled hydraulic spool valve. The apparatus includes a first pilot port and a second pilot port. The apparatus includes a first valve port and a second valve port. The apparatus also includes a first hydraulic circuit connecting the first pilot port and the first valve port, wherein the first hydraulic circuit, based on a hydraulic fluid pressure of the second pilot port, comprises one of a controlled-flow condition and an unrestricted-flow condition. The apparatus further includes a second hydraulic circuit connecting the second pilot port and the second valve port, wherein the second hydraulic circuit, based on a hydraulic fluid pressure of the first pilot port, comprises one of a controlled-flow condition and an unrestricted-flow condition.