Oil Pump Control Valve Spool Venting for Power-Loss Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil pump control valves experience internal pressure changes that hinder the return motion of the plunger and spool, and fail to operate when external power is cut off, leading to abnormal pressure rises in the oil pump control system.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a spool with distinct ring-shaped lands and a vent hole, along with a spool fluid channel and notch, to communicate the solenoid unit with the outside, reducing internal pressure and enabling fluid flow control during power shutdowns through differential outer diameters of the spool portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the solenoid unit is sealed without pressure relief, then structural simplicity is maintained, but internal pressure changes hinder plunger and spool return motion
Solution Approach 1:
A communication hole is introduced as an intermediary passage between the solenoid unit's internal space and the external environment. This allows pressure equalization without requiring complex active control mechanisms, enabling the plunger and spool to return smoothly to their initial positions after valve closure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the oil pump control valve stops when external power is cut off, then power consumption is reduced, but abnormal pressure rise occurs in the oil pump control system
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is designed with differential outer diameters on the spool (first outer diameter at the control port vs. second outer diameter at the supply port). This geometric asymmetry creates a pressure imbalance that automatically drives the spool to open the valve when power is lost, allowing the system to self-regulate and discharge fluid without requiring external power or control signals.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spool has uniform outer diameter, then manufacturing is simplified, but fail-safe function during power shutdown cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is designed with asymmetric outer diameters: a first outer diameter at the control port and a second outer diameter at the supply port. This asymmetry creates differential pressure areas that generate an automatic opening force when power is lost, enabling the fail-safe function. While manufacturing becomes slightly more complex, the design can be integrated into existing spool machining processes.
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 configuration reduces internal pressure changes, ensures smooth operation of the plunger and spool, and maintains fluid flow control even during abnormal power cuts, achieving a fail-safe function.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid unit has a coil for generating a magnetic field, a core for transmitting the magnetic field generated by the coil, and a plunger for reciprocating via the magnetic field transmitted to the core.
Implementation Method 2
the spool includes: a rod-shaped spool body; a ring-shaped first land disposed on a top portion of the spool body, wherein the first land has an open top; a ring-shaped second land disposed on a middle portion of the spool body; a ring-shaped third land disposed on a lower portion of the spool body; a vent hole defined in the spool body and disposed between the second land and the third land; a spool fluid channel defined in the spool body to communicate the vent hole and the open top of the first land with each other
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are an oil pump control valve and, specifically, an oil pump control valve allowing a discharge port and the inside of a solenoid part to communicate with each other through a spool so as to relieve pressure inside the solenoid part. A spool flow path, a vent hole, and a spool notch are formed so as to allow the solenoid part to communicate with the outside regardless of the flow of fluids when the valve is operated, thereby enabling the internal pressure of the solenoid part to be relieved. In addition, the spool and a rod are integrated such that the axial misalignment of the spool can be prevented and a holder has different diameter such that the flow of fluids can be controlled even during an abnormal power shutdown.