In pneumatic valves, a three-position valve is sometimes described as detented.

In pneumatic valves, a three-position valve is sometimes described as detented.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not used
• D. Only for proportional

Answer: (A)

Detent means a mechanism that locks a valve in a chosen position until deliberate action moves it again. In a pneumatic three-position valve, there are two end positions and a central (neutral) position. If the valve is detented, the end positions are held in place by a mechanical detent so that, after you release the actuator, the valve doesn’t snap back to the center. It stays in the left or right position until you actuate it again. This is why such a valve is described as detented. It isn’t limited to proportional valves; detents can be used with various actuation types, and some three-position valves are not detented and will return to center when released.

Detent means a mechanism that locks a valve in a chosen position until deliberate action moves it again. In a pneumatic three-position valve, there are two end positions and a central (neutral) position. If the valve is detented, the end positions are held in place by a mechanical detent so that, after you release the actuator, the valve doesn’t snap back to the center. It stays in the left or right position until you actuate it again. This is why such a valve is described as detented. It isn’t limited to proportional valves; detents can be used with various actuation types, and some three-position valves are not detented and will return to center when released.