Variable Restriction Valve for Hydraulic Cylinder Hunting and Power Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic driving units experience increased electric power consumption and hunting phenomena due to constant restriction of working oil flow, even when the hunting phenomenon is not occurring, leading to inefficient operation of hydraulic cylinders.

Innovation Solution

A cylinder driving device with a restriction valve that adjusts its opening area in response to the flow rate of working fluid, allowing for reduced resistance during normal operation and increased resistance during hunting phenomenon conditions, thereby optimizing energy consumption and preventing hunting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a slow return valve with constant opening area is used to restrict working oil flow, then the hunting phenomenon is prevented, but electric power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of hunting phenomenonVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the constant opening area restrictor with a variable opening area restrictor that dynamically adjusts its restriction level based on operating conditions. The opening area changes in response to pressure differential between upstream and downstream sides, allowing the system to adapt between preventing hunting phenomenon and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by making the restrictor's opening area variable rather than fixed. The opening area parameter changes based on the pressure differential across the restrictor, enabling the system to optimize between flow restriction (for hunting prevention) and flow freedom (for energy efficiency) depending on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a slow return valve restricts working oil flow continuously, then hunting phenomenon is prevented, but energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of hydraulic cylinder operationVSAvoidenergy loss in working oil flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The variable opening area restrictor dynamically adjusts its restriction level based on real-time pressure differential, providing strong restriction when hunting occurs and minimal restriction during normal operation, thereby reducing continuous energy loss while maintaining stability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The restrictor's opening area parameter is changed from a fixed value to a variable value that responds to pressure differential, enabling the system to minimize energy loss during normal operation while maintaining sufficient restriction to prevent hunting phenomenon when it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces electric power consumption and prevents hunting phenomena by dynamically adjusting the restriction valve's opening area, ensuring efficient operation of hydraulic cylinders while minimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

An opening area of the restriction valve is reduced in response to an increase in a flow rate of the working fluid discharged from the fluid pressure cylinder to the second passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow rate dependent opening area adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

the control valve being configured to allow a flow of the working fluid directed from the fluid pressure cylinder to the pump in response to an increase in a pressure in the first passage while allowing a flow of the working fluid directed from the pump to the fluid pressure cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential driven flow control:

Data Source

PatentUS10794404B2Cylinder driving device

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 KYB CORP

AI summary

A cylinder driving device includes: an electric motor; a pump; a main passage and a main passage; a hydraulic cylinder; an operation check valve and an operation check valve; and a restriction valve and a restriction valve configured to restrict a flow of the working oil directed to the operation check valve and an operation check valve, wherein an opening area of the restriction valve and the restriction valve is reduced in response to an increase in a flow rate of the working oil discharged from the hydraulic cylinder to the main passage and a main passage.