Pilot-Fluid Time Delay Valve With Pressure Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional time delay valves experience fluctuations in switching timing due to variations in the supply pressure of the pilot fluid, leading to prolonged cycle times in applications where pressure fluctuations are common.

Innovation Solution

The time delay valve and flow rate controller incorporate a compensation mechanism that adjusts the biasing force based on the supply pressure of the pilot fluid, stabilizing the switching timing and reducing the impact of pressure fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional time delay valve uses a throttle and volume portion with pilot fluid supply pressure to operate the delay mechanism, then the valve can perform delay operation for two-stage speed control, but the switching timing varies when the supply pressure of the pilot fluid fluctuates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching timing stabilityVSAvoidpressure fluctuation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A compensation mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element that receives pilot fluid through a separate compensation flow path and generates compensation force. This compensation mechanism mediates between the pressure fluctuations and the switching valve, counteracting the effects of pressure variations and stabilizing the switching timing despite supply pressure fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation mechanism operates by receiving pilot fluid supply and generating compensation force that feeds back to the switching valve. This feedback mechanism continuously adjusts to counteract pressure fluctuations, maintaining stable switching timing by compensating for variations in the supply pressure of the pilot fluid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the time delay valve is used in a pressure line where pressure fluctuates, then the valve can operate in factory environments, but the switching timing varies and predetermined waiting time must be provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle timeVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation mechanism provides continuous feedback adjustment to the switching valve, enabling the system to adapt to pressure fluctuations in real-time. This eliminates the need for predetermined waiting time margins, allowing the cycle time to be optimized without sacrificing reliability in fluctuating pressure environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation mechanism uses readily available pilot fluid from the existing system rather than requiring additional complex pressure stabilization equipment. By utilizing the already-present pilot fluid through a dedicated compensation flow path, the system achieves pressure fluctuation compensation without significant additional cost or complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This configuration effectively suppresses the variation in switching timing, thereby shortening the cycle time and improving operational efficiency in applications with fluctuating pressures.

Implementation Method 1

a compensation mechanism (26) configured to bias the switching valve (18) toward the first position under the action of the supply pressure of the pilot fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure fluctuation compensation:

Data Source

PatentEP4163503B1Time delay valve and flow rate controller
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 SMC CORP
  • EP4163503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4163503B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4163503B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A time delay valve (10) comprising: a switching valve (18) that switches between a first position and a second position; an urging member (20) that urges the switching valve (18) toward the first position; a driving mechanism (22) that urges the switching valve (18) toward the second position located opposite the first position in the presence of the pressure of a pilot fluid being supplied; a pilot flow channel (36) that introduces the pilot fluid to the driving mechanism (22); and a delaying mechanism (24) that delays the switching timing of the switching valve (18), wherein the delaying mechanism (24) includes a first throttle valve (34) provided on the pilot flow channel (36), a compensation mechanism (26) that urges the switching valve (18) toward the first position in the presence of the pressure of the pilot fluid being supplied, and a compensation flow channel (44) that is branched from the pilot flow channel to introduce a portion of the pilot fluid to the compensation mechanism (26).