Accumulator With Nested Gas Chambers For Dynamic Stiffness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In space-constrained applications, such as automotive systems, hydraulic accumulators face challenges in optimizing volume and dynamically controlling compliance and stiffness due to limited dimensions, leading to sub-optimal performance and increased mass with larger diameters.
Innovation Solution
The accumulator design includes a liquid-filled chamber, a first gas-filled chamber, and a second gas-filled chamber connected by a gas flow path with a variable restriction valve, allowing for dynamic adjustment of flow resistance based on pressure thresholds to optimize volume and control compliance and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the accumulator diameter is increased to accommodate larger fluid volumes, then the fluid storage capacity is improved, but the mass and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested chamber configuration where the first gas-filled chamber is positioned inside the second gas-filled chamber, allowing both chambers to occupy overlapping spatial volumes. This nesting arrangement enables the accumulator to store larger total fluid volumes without proportionally increasing the external dimensions or mass of the device, as the chambers share common structural boundaries and space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-chamber radial expansion to a multi-chamber configuration that utilizes axial dimension for gas flow and chamber arrangement. The gas flow path extends axially through the accumulator body, allowing volume expansion in the axial direction rather than requiring proportional radial diameter increase, thereby reducing mass for a given fluid storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If the accumulator diameter is increased to accommodate larger fluid volumes, then the fluid storage capacity is improved, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested chamber design allows the first and second gas-filled chambers to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, with the first chamber positioned inside the second chamber. This configuration enables the accumulator to achieve larger total fluid storage capacity without a proportional increase in external envelope volume, as the nested arrangement maximizes space utilization within the same external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple gas-filled chambers into a single integrated accumulator body with shared walls and common structural boundaries. The first and second gas-filled chambers share portions of the same physical space through the nested configuration, allowing the system to achieve combined volume efficiency while maintaining independent chamber functionality for fluid storage.
3Device complexity
If a fixed restriction is used in the gas flow path, then the structure is simple, but the compliance and stiffness cannot be dynamically controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed restriction with a controllable valve mechanism that can dynamically adjust the flow resistance between the first and second gas-filled chambers. This valve is actuated by a piston that responds to pressure differential forces across the chambers, automatically varying the gas flow restriction based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables real-time control of accumulator compliance and stiffness characteristics without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the pressure differential forces that naturally arise during accumulator operation. When pressure differences between the first and second gas-filled chambers exceed a threshold, the piston automatically opens the valve to equalize pressures; when pressures equalize, the valve closes. This self-regulating behavior provides adaptive compliance control without requiring external power sources or complex control logic.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables increased fluid volumes without substantial size increases, allowing for dynamic control of accumulator compliance and stiffness, improving performance and reducing inertial losses in space-sensitive applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first gas-filled chamber; a moveable barrier separating the liquid-filled chamber from the first gas-filled chamber; a second gas-filled chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are systems and methods that allow for adapting at least one dimension of an accumulator in a hydraulic system when faced with certain dimensional constraints and to vary the compliance or stiffness of an accumulator.