Normally Closed Steering Valve Assembly for Hydraulic Line Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems in multi-axle steered vehicles, particularly those with booster cylinders, face the risk of pressure loss and air suction due to hose/line/pipe failures, leading to potential safety hazards and system performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with normally closed valve units is implemented, which includes a first and second valve unit connected to external fluid connection elements, ensuring immediate closure upon pressure loss and providing a hydraulic shortcut to maintain system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If normally open protection valves are used, then the valve can open automatically when pressure drops to prevent pressure loss, but the valve cannot prevent air suction into the system and hydraulic fluid loss to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional valve design by using normally closed valves instead of normally open valves. The valves remain closed during normal operation and only open when intentionally activated through control ports, thereby preventing air suction and hydraulic fluid loss while still protecting against pressure loss through controlled opening.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If normally closed valves are used, then air suction and hydraulic fluid loss are prevented, but the valve cannot automatically open to restore system functionality after a defect is resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through control ports that monitor system pressure and defect conditions. When a defect is resolved and pressure is restored, the feedback signal automatically triggers the valve to open, restoring system functionality without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly performs self-service by automatically detecting when a defect has been resolved through pressure monitoring and autonomously opening the valve to restore hydraulic flow, eliminating the need for manual system recovery operations.
3Reliability
If protection valves are installed on both ends of protected hoses, then complete protection against pressure loss is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve units into a single integrated valve assembly housing. The first and second valve units, along with their control ports and internal passages, are merged into one compact structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying installation while maintaining complete protection functionality.
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 valve assembly effectively prevents hydraulic fluid loss and air suction, maintaining system integrity and functionality even in the event of hose/line/pipe failures, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the hydraulic steering system.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass valve (102) having a first inlet (102a) being connected to the hydraulic circuit and the first valve unit and a second inlet (102b) being connected to the hydraulic circuit and the second valve unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a valve assembly (100) for a steering system (1) of a vehicle, the valve assembly (100) comprising at least a first valve unit (110) and a second valve unit (120),wherein the valve assembly (100) is configured to connect a first external fluid connection (10) and a second external fluid connection (20) to a hydraulic circuit, wherein the first and second valve units (110; 120) are configured to be normally closed valves. Further, the present invention refers to a steering system (1) and a valve block (130).