Directional Valve Signal Layout for Compact Spool Shift Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional control valve devices require two signal passages, increasing their size due to the need for a second signal passage when detecting specific spool shifts, which complicates the design and potentially enlarges the device.
Innovation Solution
A directional control valve device with a first and second signal passage configuration where the second signal passage diverges from the first upstream, incorporating a switch valve and pressure sensor to detect spool shifts without enlarging the device by sharing a downstream passage and using throttes to isolate pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a second signal passage is provided to detect specific spool shifts, then detection capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second signal passages by making the second signal passage branch from the first signal passage at a branching position upstream of the spool valves. This allows both signal passages to share a common downstream path, reducing the overall space required while maintaining separate detection capabilities for different spool shift conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal passage is segmented into multiple branches (first and second signal passages) that diverge upstream but converge downstream. This segmentation allows independent pressure detection for different spool positions while utilizing a shared downstream passage to minimize device volume.
2Measurement precision
If two separate signal passages are provided, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first and second signal passages into a unified structure where they share a common downstream passage. This reduces the overall complexity compared to completely separate passages while maintaining the precision benefits of having distinct upstream detection zones for different spool valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared downstream passage serves multiple functions: it carries signals from both the first and second signal passages and provides a common return path to the spool valves. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining detection precision.
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 allows for efficient detection of spool shifts without increasing the device's size, enabling separate pressure extraction and reduced interference between signal passages, facilitating compact design and accurate shift detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first throttle provided in the first signal passage between the diverging site and a first spool valve from among the plurality of spool valves that is located the most upstream; and a second throttle provided in the second signal passage between the diverging site and the connection site
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor provided in the second signal passage between the second throttle and the connection site, the pressure sensor being configured to output a signal upon occurrence of a predetermined pressure
Implementation Method 3
a switch valve provided in the first signal passage between the first throttle and the first spool valve, the switch valve being configured to be switched upon occurrence of a predetermined pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A directional control valve device (1) has: a plurality of spool valves (3A-3D); a first signal passage (11) connected to the plurality of spool valves; and a second signal passage (12) connected to the first signal passage at a connection site (16) upstream from one or more of the plurality of spool valves for which shifting is to be detected.