Hydraulic Valve Spool Floating Lands for Precise Retrofit Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems for skid steer loaders require extensive modifications to improve hydraulic fluid control, making retrofitting challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic valve assembly with an axially movable spool and radially oriented fluid control floating lands, featuring a cylindrical control slide that moves between retention and extension positions to regulate hydraulic fluid flow, allowing for metered adjustment of fluid volume and flow rate through auxiliary ports, enabling precise control of hydraulic fluid delivery to hydraulic work areas without major rework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional hydraulic control valves are used in existing hydraulic systems, then the system can operate with standard components, but extensive modifications and rework are required to improve hydraulic fluid control
Solution Approach 1:
The control slide is nested within the floating land structure, with the control slide forming a hollow chamber inside the floating land. This nested configuration allows the control mechanism to be integrated within existing hydraulic valve assemblies without requiring complete system replacement, enabling precise fluid control while minimizing retrofitting complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The floating land is divided into distinct functional sections: a control slide portion that moves axially to control fluid flow, and an end section that provides structural support and houses biasing members. This segmentation allows independent optimization of control precision and ease of installation in existing systems
2Measurement precision
If manual throttling of hydraulic fluid flow is used, then the operator can adjust work quality and magnitude, but precise control of fluid flow rate and volume is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member provides automatic feedback control by exerting force on the control slide to return it to the retention position when hydraulic fluid pressure decreases. This creates a self-regulating system that maintains precise fluid flow control without requiring continuous manual adjustment, reducing operator complexity while improving control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The control slide automatically returns to the retention position through the biasing member when fluid pressure drops, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain optimal control without continuous operator intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while preserving precise flow control
3Manufacturing precision
If control slide is held in extension position, then precise metered adjustment of fluid flow is achieved, but additional hydraulic fluid volume is required to maintain the position
Solution Approach 1:
The control slide operates in periodic cycles between retention and extension positions based on hydraulic fluid pressure fluctuations. During low-pressure periods, the biasing member returns the control slide to the retention position, and during high-pressure periods, the control slide extends to provide metered flow control. This periodic action enables precise fluid delivery while minimizing the volume of hydraulic fluid required to maintain control slide positioning
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 precise control and metered adjustment of hydraulic fluid flow to hydraulic work areas, such as hydraulic cylinder-piston arrangements, facilitating efficient operation and retrofitting of existing systems without extensive modifications, thereby improving the operational efficiency and flexibility of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fluid flow from an auxiliary hydraulic fluid pumping system therethrough and into the hollow chamber of the control slide to thereby move the control slide away from the retention position to the extension position
Implementation Method 2
each floating land further comprises a biasing member provided within the hollow chamber of the floating land, the biasing member configured for returning the control slide to the retention position when a hydraulic fluid flow volume or flow rate to the hollow chamber of the floating land drops below a predetermined value
Data Source
AI summary
System for hydraulic valve assembly comprises a valve body having a cylindrical internal cavity and an axially moveable cylindrical spool supported therein. Hydraulic ports are defined through the valve body. The spool includes one or more radially oriented fluid control floating lands. Each floating land is configured to control one or more of fluid flow from a hydraulic port, and fluid flow to a hydraulic port. Each floating land includes a cylindrical control slide defining a hollow chamber, and an end section. The control slide is axially movable relative to the end section between a retention position and an extension position to thereby control one or more of fluid flow from the hydraulic port, and fluid flow to the hydraulic port.