Electro-hydraulic Actuator Mounting with Adaptable Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-hydraulic actuators require unique tooling for each mounting configuration, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inventory complexity due to the need for dedicated tooling for every attachment interface variation.
Innovation Solution
A base member within the housing is designed to be adaptable for various mounting configurations through machining, allowing a single housing to be cast and later configured into different attachment interfaces, such as clevises or threaded studs, without the need for dedicated tooling for each variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unique tooling is used for each attachment interface configuration, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a universal base member that can be machined into different attachment interface configurations (clevis, bracket, flange) after casting. This allows a single housing design to serve multiple mounting purposes, eliminating the need for unique tooling for each configuration while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled machining operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate tooling is created for each mounting configuration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is cast with preliminary features (bosses, mounting holes, geometric configurations) that enable subsequent machining operations. This preliminary preparation during casting allows for precise attachment interfaces to be created through machining while avoiding the need for expensive dedicated tooling for each configuration, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple housing configurations are stocked for different bore sizes and stroke sizes, then adaptability is improved, but inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment interface configuration is made dynamic and adjustable through post-casting machining operations. Instead of maintaining static inventory of multiple housing types, the system allows a single housing design to be dynamically adapted to different mounting requirements by machining the base member into the appropriate configuration, thereby reducing inventory quantity while maintaining adaptability.
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 approach simplifies manufacturing by enabling a single unit to be stocked for multiple configurations, reducing inventory and costs while allowing for flexible attachment interface orientations, thus addressing the complexity and cost issues of prior art designs.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic pump moves fluid from a reservoir to a hydraulic actuator
Implementation Method 3
the hydraulic fluid moved by the hydraulic pump extends a rod of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic pump, an electric motor operatively connected to the hydraulic pump and operable for driving the pump, an actuator moveable in response to fluid flow from the pump, and a housing for the pump, electric motor and actuator. The housing has a base member that is adapted to be modified into various configurations for forming an attachment interface for mounting of the electro-hydraulic actuator.