Valve Device with Dynamic Fail-Safe Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices for electrically controlled hydraulic damper systems face challenges in reliably transitioning between fail-safe and normal operation modes, leading to unpredictable pressure regulation and potential pressure shocks due to large clearance issues and increased force requirements.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a movable first valve member and a spring-loaded second valve member that interacts with a valve seat to regulate hydraulic fluid flow, allowing for a tight seal during normal operation and a fail-safe flow passage during fail-safe operation, using a spring-loaded mechanism to counteract hydraulic pressure and prevent pressure transients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed restriction area through hole is used during fail-safe operation, then a small flow is allowed through, but the fixed restriction area is unable to compensate for changes in flow volume and generates high pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the restriction area variable instead of fixed. The second valve body portion is made movable relative to the valve chamber, allowing the restriction area of the second flow passage to dynamically adjust in response to pressure differences. This enables the system to maintain reliable fail-safe operation while adapting to varying flow volumes and pressure conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and pressure stress.
2Reliability
If spring means force the second portion of the valve body against the second valve seat during fail-safe operation, then the flow is blocked, but the increased force makes transition back to normal operation difficult and causes abrupt pressure shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making both the first valve body portion and second valve body portion movable, with their positions dynamically determined by the balance between spring forces and pressure forces. This dynamic configuration allows smooth transitions between fail-safe and normal operations by adjusting the restriction areas continuously, eliminating abrupt pressure shocks and reducing the force required for mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the restriction areas of both flow passages dynamically. During transition from fail-safe to normal operation, the restriction area of the second flow passage is gradually increased while the first flow passage restriction is reduced, allowing controlled parameter changes that prevent pressure shocks and facilitate ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If large plays or scopes are required for smooth sliding operation of the disc-shaped member, then sliding is smooth, but leakage increases in the interface between the disc-shaped member and the radial pilot passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve body portions movable within the valve chamber along the axial direction. This dynamic movement capability allows the valve to achieve smooth operation through controlled displacement rather than relying on large static plays. The movable configuration enables tight sealing during operation while maintaining smooth transition capabilities, resolving the contradiction between sliding smoothness and leakage prevention.
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
Ensures reliable and predictable transition between operation modes, reducing pressure shocks and leakage, while maintaining low sensitivity to contamination and impurities, and facilitating smooth transitions with mechanical regulation of pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
the second valve member is spring-loaded in the axial direction towards the first valve member or in a direction opposite that of the direction of the spring-loaded first valve member
Implementation Method 2
the first valve member is arranged to interact with a first valve seat in response to the actuating force F in order to influence the hydraulic fluid flow q into the valve chamber
Implementation Method 3
The second valve member has further a through hole for allowing the hydraulic fluid flow out of the valve chamber during normal operation
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device for electrically regulating a pressure in a hydraulic fluid flow through the valve device in response to an actuating force during a normal operation and mechanically regulating said pressure during a fail-safe operation when no actuating force is present is disclosed. The valve device has a valve chamber. A first valve member is movable within the valve chamber in an axial direction to interact with a first valve seat in response to the actuating force in order to restrict the hydraulic fluid flow into the valve chamber during normal operation. The first valve member is spring-loaded away from the second seat in a direction opposite that of the actuating force such that the first valve member is movable in the axial direction. A second valve member forms a movable chamber wall portion defining a part of the valve chamber. The second valve member is spring-loaded in the direction of the actuating force. The second valve member has a through hole for allowing hydraulic fluid flow out of the valve chamber during normal operation. The spring-loaded first valve member is arranged to close the flow passage during fail-safe operation such that the pressure is mechanically regulated by the second valve member acting on the second valve seat.