Research on Design and Control Strategy of Novel Independent Metering System

The independent metering system used in the combination of traditional cartridge proportional valves employs an excessive number of components, which increases the complexity of the control strategy. To address this problem, a novel independent metering system based on pilot hydraulic control was developed. Following the pressure and flow requirements, the structure and valve body size of the two spools were designed. The effect of the parameter change in the control valve on the dynamic response characteristics of the main spool was investigated by simulation. A control strategy was developed based on load force direction prediction and two-chamber pressure switching to verify the feasibility of working mode switching during load direction change. As indicated by the results, compared with the mode switching control strategy of the traditional independent metering system, the proposed control strategy could effectively reduce the number of mode switching and ensure the continuity of the actuator operation. Compared with the traditional load-sensitive valve control system, the proposed pilot-controlled independent metering system achieved an average energy-saving efficiency of 47.27%. This study provides technical reference for the low energy consumption, high efficiency, and sustainable development of hydraulic systems.