Hydrostatic Steering Controller Check Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrostatic power steering systems with multiple fluid controllers are costly due to additional fluid connectors and hoses, and the use of different fluid controllers at various locations leads to reduced lifespan of shaft seals and thrust bearings from diverted pressurized fluid forces.
Innovation Solution
A power beyond steering system with identical full fluid-linked fluid controllers at multiple locations, featuring a check valve assembly that prevents pressurized fluid from entering the interior region in the neutral position, allowing for cost-efficient multiple location controllability of fluid pressure actuated devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an open center fluid controller is used in the first location to divert inlet fluid through the internal cavity, then multiple location controllability is achieved, but the life of shaft seal and thrust bearings is reduced due to pressurized fluid forcing against these components
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful pressurized fluid flow through the internal cavity is extracted and eliminated by using a power beyond fluid controller that directs fluid externally through a separate passage, preventing the fluid from forcing against the shaft seal and thrust bearings while still enabling multiple location controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid controller is segmented into separate fluid paths: one path for power fluid flow that bypasses the internal cavity, and another path for control fluid flow through the spool valve, allowing independent optimization of each path to avoid the harmful effects while maintaining functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If a power beyond fluid controller with external fluid connectors and hoses is used, then multiple location controllability is achieved, but the system cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The power beyond fluid controller merges the power fluid path and control fluid path into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate external fluid connectors and hoses between the fluid controller and the actuator, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining multiple location controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid controller is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a power beyond controller for the first location and as an open center controller for the second location, using identical controllers at both locations to reduce component variety and system cost
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 system reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional fluid connectors and hoses while maintaining the life of shaft seals and thrust bearings by preventing excessive pressurized fluid forces on these components.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid passage defines a check valve seat and a check valve operably associated therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid controller (15a) in a multiple-input hydrostatic power steering system includes a check valve assembly (101), having a first fluid passage (111), defining a check valve seat (105) and a check valve (103) operably associated therewith, in fluid communication with a second fluid passage (109), with the second fluid passage (109) being in fluid communication with a return port (25a). In the left (L) and right (R) operating positions, return flow can flow from the interior region (114) of the valve (27), through the first fluid passage (111), past the check valve (103), and through the second fluid passage (109) to the return port (25a). In the neutral position (N), pressurized fluid can flow from an inlet port (19a) to the return port (25a), with the check valve (103) preventing fluid from flowing through the first fluid passage (111) and into the interior region (114) of the valve (27).