Sub-Valve Pressure Sensing in Compact Fluid Control Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pressure control devices face challenges in detecting the pressure of working fluids without increasing the size of the main valve block, due to insufficient space for pressure detection ports caused by the proximity of relief valves.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a sub-valve block with a pressure detection port and sensor, allowing pressure detection without enlarging the main valve block, by using a first pressure detection passage that avoids interference with relief valves and allows for flexible placement of the pressure sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a port for pressure detection is formed in the main valve block, then pressure detection of working fluid is enabled, but the size of the main valve block needs to be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into a main valve block and a sub-valve block. The sub-valve block is attached to the main valve block and contains the pressure detection port and pressure detector. This segmentation allows pressure detection functionality to be added without increasing the size of the main valve block, as the detection components are housed in the separate sub-valve block.
Solution Approach 2:
A first pressure detection passage is formed in the main valve block to connect the actuator passage to the sub-valve block. This passage acts as an intermediary channel that transports the working fluid from the actuator passage to the pressure detection port in the sub-valve block, enabling indirect pressure measurement without requiring direct access to the actuator passage from the main valve block exterior.
2Reliability
If the relief valve is provided in the vicinity of the actuator passage, then pressure relief function is provided, but insufficient space is created for forming the pressure detection port
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the pressure detection port and pressure detector into the sub-valve block, the design accommodates the relief valve in the main valve block without compromising space for pressure detection. The sub-valve block provides additional space that is not constrained by the relief valve placement in the main valve block.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pressure detection passage serves as an intermediary that routes the working fluid from the actuator passage through the main valve block to the sub-valve block. This allows the pressure detection port to be positioned in the sub-valve block where there is sufficient space, while still monitoring pressure in the actuator passage despite the relief valve's proximity in the main valve block.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pressure control device includes a main valve block and a sub-valve block attached to the main valve block. The main valve block includes: an actuator passage through which the working fluid supplied to and discharged from the actuator flows; a valve body configured to switch a supply and discharge direction of the working fluid; a first pressure detection passage in communication with the actuator passage. The sub-valve block has a second pressure detection passage in communication with the first pressure detection passage and a pressure detection port in communication with the second pressure detection passage and to which a pressure sensor is attached.