🔍 Key Concepts

• Detent mechanism in a hydraulic directional control valve • Difference between fixed positions vs continuously variable control of the valve spool • Typical configurations of a 3-position, 4-way directional control valve in machinery

💭 Think About

• Think about what a mechanical detent does on any control lever (for example, in machinery or even on some switches). Does it create fixed stops or smooth, continuous travel? • In a common hydraulic valve used for cylinders (extend/neutral/retract), how many distinct operating positions does the operator usually feel when the lever moves? • Which option describes a valve where you can smoothly vary flow at every point in the stroke, and which options describe one that ‘clicks’ or ‘locks’ into certain positions?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify whether detent implies discrete, held positions or free, continuous movement of the spool • Ask yourself which choice best matches a common center-neutral valve with end positions used to control a double-acting cylinder • Eliminate any answer that suggests an infinite number of positions if a detent is present, since detents are about distinct stops rather than unlimited positions