Valve Slide Constriction for Volume Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration dampers with adjustable damping force require electrically operated or pressure-dependent flow control valves, which are not suitable for targeted applications in vibration dampers, as they cannot be controlled purely based on volume flow.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with pressure impingement areas of equal size for opening and closing pressures, featuring a constriction to generate a pressure difference, and a channel connecting the interior and exterior spaces of the valve slide, allowing mechanical or hydraulic operation independent of pressure, with a valve slide that moves between normal and overload positions based on volume flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrically operated or pressure-dependent flow control valves are used in vibration dampers, then the damping force can be adjusted, but the valves cannot be controlled purely based on volume flow and require additional control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to automatically respond to volume flow changes without requiring external electrical signals or complex pressure control systems. The valve slide moves passively based on the dynamic pressure generated by the fluid flow itself, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces electrical or complex pressure-dependent control mechanisms with a purely mechanical response system. The valve slide's position is determined by mechanical forces resulting from volume flow-induced pressure differences, substituting electronic control with a straightforward mechanical-mechanical coupling system.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure impingement areas of the valve slide are made equal for opening and closing pressures, then the valve can be controlled purely as a function of volume flow, but a mechanism is needed to generate the pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by employing a constriction in the flow path that generates a dynamic pressure difference through fluid flow. The pressure difference is created hydraulically by the fluid's kinetic energy as it passes through the constriction, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps or external pressure sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The constriction geometry is designed to change the fluid flow parameters (velocity and pressure) dynamically. As volume flow increases, the pressure difference generated by the constriction changes accordingly, allowing the valve to respond automatically to flow conditions without additional control mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If a constriction is added to generate pressure difference, then passive mechanical or hydraulic operation is enabled, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The constriction is integrated directly into the valve slide body, merging the pressure difference generation function with the existing valve structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall structural complexity while enabling passive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve slide is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the closing element for the flow path and the structure that generates the pressure difference through its constriction. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
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
Enables passive, mechanically or hydraulically controlled operation of the valve, effectively managing volume flow and maintaining stability in both positions, thereby improving the control and efficiency of the damping process.
Implementation Method 1
the valve slide has a constriction via which a pressure difference between opening pressure and closing pressure can be generated
Implementation Method 2
at least one channel connects the interior space of the valve slide to the exterior space of the valve slide
Implementation Method 3
the opening pressure moves the valve slide out of the normal position in the direction of the overload position, while the closing pressure propels the valve slide in the opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for a vibration damper having a valve housing and a valve slide movable in the valve housing for at least partially closing at least one flow path of a fluid flowing through the valve. The valve has an input side and an output side. The pressure impingement surfaces of the valve slide for an opening pressure and for a closing pressure are substantially equal, and the valve slide has a constriction via which a pressure difference between opening pressure and closing pressure can be generated. At least one channel connects the interior space of the valve slide to the exterior space of the valve slide.