Valve Coupling Vent Path for Pressure Cycling Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valve assemblies in fluid working machines experience fluid leakage and pressure cycling, leading to fatigue failure and short component lifetimes due to increased fluid pressure around coupling components.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly design with a connector void in fluid communication with a working fluid gallery outlet, allowing fluid pressure to be stabilized and reduced through continuous flow, thereby minimizing pressure cycling and extending component lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling is surrounded by working fluid in a closed connector void, then the valve assembly can maintain structural integrity and sealing, but fluid pressure cycling causes fatigue failure and short component lifetimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of continuity by establishing a continuous fluid communication path between the connector void and the working fluid gallery through the working fluid outlet. This allows continuous fluid flow that equalizes pressure throughout operation, eliminating pressure cycling and extending component lifetime. The fluid continuously circulates through the connector void, maintaining stable pressure conditions rather than allowing cyclic variations.
2Reliability
If high-strength and highly fatigue-resistant materials are used for coupling components, then component lifetime is extended, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of fluid pressure cycling into a beneficial condition by allowing working fluid to continuously flow through the connector void. This transforms the previously harmful pressure variations into a stabilizing force that equalizes pressure, eliminating fatigue loading. The working fluid, which was causing damage through pressure cycling, now serves to stabilize pressure and extend component life, allowing use of standard materials rather than expensive high-strength alloys.
3Strength
If the connector void is sealed to maintain pressure, then structural integrity is maintained, but pressure cycling around the coupling increases fatigue failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces working fluid as an intermediary medium that mediates between the sealed connector void and the working fluid gallery. This intermediary fluid transmission path allows pressure equalization without compromising the structural integrity of the sealed connector void. The working fluid acts as a buffer that transmits pressure equilibrium throughout the system, maintaining both structural integrity and component reliability simultaneously.
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 solution reduces fluid pressure cycling in the connector void, minimizing fatigue failure and extending the lifespan of valve assembly components by maintaining fluid communication throughout the valve actuation cycle, ensuring reduced friction and leakage.
Implementation Method 1
A connector void provided between at least a portion of the connector (typically the exterior wall thereof) and the tube (typically an interior wall thereof) is typically in fluid communication with a working fluid gallery outlet... working fluid can typically flow between the connector void and the working fluid gallery
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for regulating the flow of working fluid between a working chamber of a fluid working machine and a working fluid gallery comprises: a valve comprising a valve member and one or more cooperating valve seats; an actuator actuatable to apply a force to urge the valve member away from or towards the one or more valve seats; and a coupling between the actuator and the valve member. The coupling comprises a connector located at least partially within a tube. A connector void provided between at least a portion of the connector and the tube is in fluid communication with a working fluid gallery outlet.