Directional Spool Valve Signal Layout for Compact Shift Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional control valve devices require two signal passages, increasing their size due to the need for a second signal passage when detecting specific spool shifts, which complicates the design and potentially enlarges the device.
Innovation Solution
A directional control valve device with a first and second signal passage configuration where the second signal passage diverges from the first upstream, incorporating a switch valve and pressure sensor to detect spool shifts without enlarging the device by sharing a downstream passage and using separate throttles in each passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a second signal passage is provided to detect specific spool shifts, then the detection capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second signal passages by making the second signal passage branch from the first signal passage at a connection site upstream from the spool valves. This allows both signal passages to share a common downstream path, reducing the overall space required while maintaining separate detection capabilities for different spool shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal passage system is segmented into multiple independent branches (first and second signal passages) that diverge upstream. Each passage can be independently configured with its own throttle and detection mechanism, allowing selective detection of specific spool shifts without requiring completely separate passage systems throughout the entire device.
2Measurement precision
If two separate signal passages are provided, then independent pressure detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first and second signal passages into a unified structure where they share a common downstream passage. This reduces the overall complexity compared to having completely separate passage systems, while maintaining independent throttles and detection points for accurate pressure measurement in each branch.
Solution Approach 2:
The first signal passage serves dual functions: it acts as both the first signal passage for general spool detection and as the main passage from which the second signal passage branches. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate structures, simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining independent detection capabilities.
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 allows for efficient detection of spool shifts without increasing the device's size, ensuring independent pressure detection in each passage and reducing interference between signals, thus maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor provided in the second signal passage between the second throttle and the connection site, the pressure sensor being configured to output a signal upon occurrence of a predetermined pressure
Implementation Method 2
a switch valve provided in the first signal passage between the first throttle and the first spool valve, the switch valve being configured to be switched upon occurrence of a predetermined pressure
Implementation Method 3
a first throttle provided in the first signal passage between the diverging site and a first spool valve from among the plurality of spool valves that is located the most upstream; and a second throttle provided in the second signal passage between the diverging site and the connection site
Data Source
AI summary
A directional control valve device has: a plurality of spool valves; a first signal passage connected to the plurality of spool valves; and a second signal passage connected to the first signal passage at a connection site upstream from one or more of the plurality of spool valves for which shifting is to be detected.