Flow Path Switching Valve Layout for Compact Linear Oil Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-way valves for hydraulic oil paths in construction machines require curved or bent oil paths, making them costly and difficult to compactly integrate into the body.
Innovation Solution
A flow path switching valve with a block-shaped body featuring three linear oil paths and a rotatable valve body that communicates two of the three opening portions, allowing for selective rotation positions to switch flow paths, facilitating a compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If curved or bent oil paths are formed in the body to communicate opening portions, then the flow path switching valve can switch hydraulic oil flow, but the manufacturing cost increases and the body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple sections with opening portions distributed on different faces. Linear oil paths are formed in each section, avoiding the need for complex curved paths. The segmentation of the valve body into distinct regions with simple linear connections reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Opening portions are arranged on different faces of the valve body, utilizing three-dimensional spatial distribution. This allows linear oil paths to connect opening portions through the valve body without requiring curved paths, as the connections occur in different spatial dimensions rather than following a single curved trajectory.
2Ease of operation
If two opening portions are configured to open on the common face, then the flow path switching can be achieved, but the body cannot be made compact
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body employs an asymmetric configuration where opening portions are distributed on different faces rather than being symmetrically arranged on a common face. This asymmetric layout allows for more efficient spatial utilization, enabling the valve body to achieve the required flow path switching functionality while maintaining a compact size.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path switching valve includes a block-shaped body having a first opening and a second opening which communicate with each other via a linear first oil path, and a third opening which communicates with the first oil path via a linear second oil path; a valve body which is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the body, and in which a communication flow path is formed that allows two openings to communicate with each other depending on the rotation position; and a locking protrusion which regulates the rotation range of the valve body in order to select the rotation position of the valve body to be a predetermined rotation position where two openings of a predetermined combination among the three openings communicate with each other via the communication flow path of the valve body.