Suspension Spool Check Valve With Hydraulic Force Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension valves with variable flow check valves require high operating forces due to counteracting pressure and jet forces, leading to inefficient energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow check valve device with a force balancing unit, such as a jet force balancing unit, is introduced to counteract pressure forces acting on the spool, using hydraulic principles to reduce the necessary operating forces without an external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spool valve is used to control fluid flow in a suspension valve, then the flow can be variable and adjustable, but high operating forces are required to open the spool due to counteracting pressure forces and jet forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a force balancing unit that generates a counter force to offset the pressure force and jet force acting on the spool. The balancing element (such as a balancing piston or chamber) creates an opposing force through pressure differential, effectively reducing the net force required to open the spool valve while maintaining variable flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force balancing unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the control input and the spool valve. It mediates the force transmission by introducing a balancing element that modifies the force balance equation, allowing the spool to be opened with reduced operating force while still achieving the desired variable flow control function.
2Reliability
If high operating forces are applied to open the spool valve, then the valve can overcome pressure forces and jet forces, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The force balancing unit provides a counter force that offsets the resistive pressure and jet forces, thereby reducing the energy required to open the spool valve. This counterbalancing mechanism ensures reliable valve opening while minimizing energy consumption by eliminating the need to apply excessive force against the pressure differential.
Solution Approach 2:
The force balancing unit utilizes the system's own pressure fluid to generate the balancing force, rather than requiring an external power source. The pressure differential across the balancing element creates the counter force automatically, making the system self-sufficient and energy-efficient while maintaining reliable operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a force balancing unit is added to reduce operating forces, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force balancing unit is integrated into the existing suspension valve structure by combining the balancing element with the spool valve assembly. The balancing chamber, piston, or other force-balancing components are merged with the valve body and spool mechanism, creating a unified structure that reduces operating forces without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The force balancing unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides force balancing to reduce operating forces, maintains pressure differential for flow control, and integrates with the existing valve structure. This multi-functionality approach allows the additional component to contribute to multiple system objectives, justifying the increased complexity through enhanced performance.
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 device achieves energy-efficient operation by significantly lowering the operating forces required to open the spool, allowing for precise control over fluid flow and damping hardness in suspension systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure force, in particular a jet force, which (continuously) acts on the spool in a direction opposite to an opening direction of the spool valve
Implementation Method 2
a pressure force, in particular a jet force, which (continuously) acts on the spool
Implementation Method 3
a check valve closing member configured to open and to close the outlet in response to a pressure difference of the pressure fluid on opposite sides of the check valve closing member
Data Source
AI summary
A variable flow check valve device includes an inlet connected with a first pressure fluid reservoir, an outlet connected with a second pressure fluid reservoir, which is separate and/or separable from the first pressure fluid reservoir, a check valve closing member that opens and closes the outlet in response to a pressure difference of the pressure fluid on opposite sides of the check valve closing member, and a spool valve with a movable spool in a flow path of the pressure fluid extending from the inlet to the outlet. The spool valve forms a variable orifice within the flow path of the pressure fluid. The variable flow check valve device includes a force balancing unit in the flow path which creates a balancing force to at least partially counteract a force acting on the spool when the pressure fluid passes the spool valve.