3/2-Way Valve Port Layout for Compact Connection Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3/2-way valves have large installation dimensions due to axial spacing of fluid connections, which complicates assembly and increases construction size.

Innovation Solution

The valve connections are rearranged in a plane transverse to the actuation axis, with a central useful connection and radially arranged pressure and return connections, allowing for a space-saving design where unnecessary connections are sealed, and the actuating magnet device uses a compression spring for energy-efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluid connections are arranged axially in the valve housing, then functional reliability is ensured, but installation dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from axial arrangement of fluid connections (one dimension) to a planar arrangement in a transverse plane (two dimensions). Multiple pressure supply connections and return connections are positioned radially around the central useful connection in a single transverse plane, eliminating the need for axial spacing while maintaining functional reliability through the predeterminable allocation plan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressure supply connections and return connections are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve housing is designed with multiple pressure supply connections and return connections that can serve different functional requirements. The predeterminable allocation plan allows the same physical structure to accommodate various connection configurations, making the valve adaptable to different applications without requiring multiple specialized valve designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides flexibility by allowing different allocation plans where pressure supply connections and return connections can be positioned at various radial locations in the transverse plane. This parameter variation in connection positioning enables adaptation to different system requirements while maintaining the same basic valve structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If connection points are arranged in a single transverse plane, then installation space is reduced, but connection allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidconnection allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a predeterminable allocation plan that pre-establishes the positioning relationships between multiple connection points in the transverse plane. This preliminary arrangement of connection points according to predetermined patterns simplifies the allocation process during installation, as the geometric relationships are already established rather than requiring complex real-time allocation decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables a functionally reliable, space-saving installation with reduced dimensions, simplifying assembly and ensuring secure fluid connections, while maintaining operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the actuating magnet device uses a compression spring for energy-efficient operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4112983B1Valve and connection component with such a valve
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 HYDAC FLUITECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4112983B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP4112983B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4112983B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

2. A valve, in particular a 3/2-way valve, with a valve body (14) and a valve piston (16) guided longitudinally therein, which can be moved between a first and a second piston position along an actuating axis (18) by means of an actuating solenoid device (12), in which a pressure supply is connected to a service port A in a fluid-carrying manner.This service port A with a return line is characterized in that, according to a predefinable layout plan, several pressure supply ports P and several return ports emerge from the valve housing (14) in at least one plane transverse to the actuating axis (18) in such a way that, regardless of a selected possible connection position of the valve housing (14) on a connection component, individual ports of the valve housing (14) come into fluid-carrying contact with assignable connection points of the connection component, and the remaining ports of the valve housing are fluid-tightly sealed by wall sections of the connection component. The invention further relates to a connection component with such a valve.