Hardware Layout of Independent Metering Control

Independent Metering (IMV) is a key component of the independent metering control system (IMCS) corresponding to the multi-way valve in the conventional hydraulic system. It refers to a valve architecture that allows for the individual charge and discharge of each cylinder port by decoupling the meter-in and meter-out orifices. The mechanical decoupling principle is based on changing the conventional valve types from a traditional 4/3-valve into a group of 2-way valves. Therefore, there are various valve arrangements according to the use of different components including proportional spool valve, proportional poppet valve, and digital valve. This chapter presents the representative hardware configurations of IMV including both the pilot and main stage, and analyzes their pros/cons.