Spool Valve Rod Retention Assembly With Fewer Manual Override Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual override assemblies in hydraulic power systems are complex, costly to manufacture, and difficult to assemble due to their large number of separate parts, necessitating a more simplified and cost-effective design.
Innovation Solution
A spool and retainer plug assembly with a connecting rod and valve spool configuration that includes lands and recesses, allowing for fewer parts and a more compact design, where the connecting rod is secured through a bore access opening with a retention mechanism, reducing the complexity and increasing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing manual override assemblies use multiple separate parts for the connecting rod and spool connection, then the assembly provides robust mechanical connection, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (connecting rod, retention element, and spool connection features) into an integrated assembly where the connecting rod includes an integrated retention element and the spool includes an integrated bore access opening with retention features. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the mechanical connection robustness through the integrated retention mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing manual override assemblies include many separate parts, then the design provides flexibility in assembly, but the ease of manufacture decreases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrating of the retention element with the connecting rod and the retention features with the spool reduces the total part count, simplifying manufacturing processes and assembly operations while maintaining design flexibility through the retained mechanical connection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The bore access opening is segmented into a first region for insertion and a second region for retention, allowing the connecting rod to be inserted axially and then laterally retained. This segmentation enables a simplified assembly process while maintaining connection flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting rod uses a simple axial insertion through a single opening, then the ease of operation increases, but the reliability of retention decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bore access opening is divided into two distinct regions: a first region that accepts axial insertion of the connecting rod and a second region that provides lateral retention. This segmentation allows the simple axial insertion operation while ensuring reliable retention through the lateral offset retention features.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral offset retention features act as intermediaries between the axial insertion motion and the final retained position, guiding the connecting rod from the first region through the second region into its secured position while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spool valve connection arrangement is disclosed comprising a connecting rod including a rod retention element adjacent a first end of the connecting rod; and a valve spool including lands and at least one recess between the lands. The valve spool also defines an internal connecting rod bore positioned adjacent one end of the valve spool.