Hydraulic valve absorbs impact energy generated in docking or joining of two large bodies by controlling energy release to avoid jarring shock. The area of exit porting presented to the hydraulic control fluid is directly proportional to the pressure acting on the fluid

Ammerman, R. L.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

SPressure In 
April 1968	 Brief 68-10120 
S	 NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Pressure Variable Orifice for Hydraulic Control Valve 
Pressure Out 
The problem: 
To absorb the impact energy generated in the dock-
ing orjoining of two large bodies, it is necessary to con-
trol the energy release in' a smooth manner that pre-
cludes jarring shock. Hydraulic valves of various 
types (shafts with graduated slots that index with 
machined orifices, or tapered shafts mating with 
machined exit ports) have previously been used with 
only limited success. 
The solution: 
A hydraulic valve in which the area of exit porting 
presented to the hydraulic control fluid is directly
proportional to the pressure (head) acting on the 
fluid. 
How it's done: 
A hollow shaft with 12 or more orifices located 
along its wall is lap-fitted to a mating sleeve and its 
closed end is attached to a spring loaded receiver hav-
ing large exit ports leading to a large sump. When 
inlet pressure builds up in the shaft, it is forced for-
ward in its sleeve as tension of the restraining spring is 
overcome. Movement of the hollow shaft in the sleeve 
opens an increasing number of orifices to the exit 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19680000120 2020-03-12T05:25:14+00:00Z
ports. In this arrangement high pressures are smoothly 	 Patent status: 
controlled and limited flow occurs at low pressures.	 No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Robert L. Ammerman 
Note:	 of North American Aviation, Inc. 
Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di- 	 under contract to 
rected to:	 Manned Spacecraft Center 
Technology Utilization Officer	 (M SC- l 1323)
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B68-10120 
Brief 68-10120	 Category 05


Pressure variable orifice for hydraulic control valve

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