Valve Device Detent Mechanism for High-Force Piston Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices are inadequate for reliably fixing valve pistons under high forces, such as those encountered in hydraulics, as they often rely on friction-based clamping which increases the actuation difficulty and energy requirements, and are not suitable for safety-critical applications.
Innovation Solution
The valve device employs two valve pistons with separate locking devices and actuating mechanisms, allowing one piston to be latched while the other is unlatched, using a movable control body to prevent locking means from leaving their position, thus providing secure fixing without direct force application on the valve piston, reducing energy and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based clamping is used to fix the valve piston, then the valve piston can be held in position, but the actuation difficulty and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical clamping system with a detent mechanism using balls that engage with recesses in the valve piston. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for continuous frictional contact, allowing the valve piston to be held securely with minimal energy input for actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces detent balls as intermediary elements between the actuating mechanism and the valve piston. These balls transmit the actuating force efficiently and provide positive locking through geometric engagement, reducing the energy required compared to direct friction-based clamping.
2Reliability
If friction-based clamping is used to fix the valve piston, then the valve piston can be held in position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex friction-based clamping device is replaced with a simpler detent mechanism consisting of balls and recesses. This substitution reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function is segmented into discrete detent positions with corresponding recesses in the valve piston. This segmentation allows for simplified individual components (balls and recesses) that collectively provide reliable fixing without the complexity of a continuous friction-based system.
3Reliability
If friction-based clamping is used, then the valve piston can be held, but unintentional switching prevention requires increased clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based force system with a geometric detent system. The detent balls engage with recesses to provide positive mechanical interlocking, preventing unintentional switching without requiring increased clamping force. The holding capability comes from the geometric engagement rather than frictional force.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve device comprising a valve housing (10), in which fluid connection points (P, A, T) are provided and in which at least one valve piston (12, 14) can be longitudinally moved, which either separates or connects at least two of the fluid connection points (P, A, T) from/to one another according to its movement position, and comprising at least one engaging device (16, 18) for each valve piston (12, 14) for detachably securing the respective valve piston (12, 14) in one of its movement positions, having a respective at least one engaging means (20) that can be brought into an engaging position (22), characterised in that, as part of the respective engaging device (16, 18) for detachably securing the respective valve piston (12, 14), at least one control element (24) that can be moved independently of the respective valve piston (12, 14) is provided, which is designed in such a way that, in at least one blocking position, it prevents the respective engaging means (20) arranged in the engaging position (22) from being released from the engaging position (22) by blocking the engaging means (20).