Valve Block Pressure Sensing Without Enlarging the Main Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pressure control devices face challenges in detecting the pressure of working fluid without increasing the size of the main valve block, due to insufficient space for pressure detection ports caused by the presence of relief valves in the supply and discharge passages.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pressure control device with a main valve block and a sub-valve block, where the main valve block includes an actuator passage and a first pressure detection passage, and the sub-valve block has a second pressure detection passage and a pressure detection port with a pressure sensor, allowing pressure detection without increasing the main valve block's size.
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 increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure detection function is segmented from the main valve block and integrated into a separate sub-valve block. The sub-valve block contains the pressure detection port and passage, while the main valve block maintains its original compact structure with only a small communication passage for pressure transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication passage acts as an intermediary to transmit pressure from the actuator passage in the main valve block to the pressure detection passage in the sub-valve block, enabling pressure detection without requiring a large port in the main valve block itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the main valve block size is increased to accommodate pressure detection port, then space for pressure detection is secured, but the entire device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a main valve block for flow control and a sub-valve block for pressure detection. This segmentation allows the pressure detection functionality to be added without increasing the main valve block size, as the sub-valve block is a separate, compact component.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure detection port is positioned in the sub-valve block, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding the horizontal footprint of the main valve block. This dimensional approach allows pressure detection capability without increasing the overall device footprint.
3Reliability
If relief valve is provided in the supply and discharge passage, then pressure relief function is achieved, but space for pressure detection port formation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The relief valve function and pressure detection function are segmented into different spatial locations. The relief valve remains in the main valve block's supply and discharge passages, while the pressure detection port is located in the separately attached sub-valve block, eliminating spatial conflict between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication passage serves as an intermediary that connects the actuator passage to the pressure detection passage without interfering with the relief valve's position in the supply and discharge passages. This intermediary pathway enables pressure detection while preserving the relief valve's original location and function.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A fluid pressure control device (100) includes a main valve block (1) and a sub-valve block (50) attached to the main valve block (1). The main valve block (1) includes: an actuator passage (21) through which the working fluid supplied to and discharged from the actuator flows; a main spool (2) configured to switch a supply and discharge direction of the working fluid; a first pressure detection passage (41) in communication with the actuator passage (21). The sub-valve block (50) has a second pressure detection passage (51) in communication with the first pressure detection passage (41) and a pressure detection port (52) in communication with the second pressure detection passage (51) and to which a pressure sensor (60) is attached.