Actuator Mounting Clamp for Hydraulic Drive Vibration Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control mechanisms for variable drive apparatuses, such as hydraulic pumps and transaxles, face challenges in accurately sensing rotational orientation and protecting against shock and vibration, which can lead to inaccurate positioning and component damage.

Innovation Solution

An electric actuator with a rotary design incorporating a magnetic field sensor chip and a biasing member, coupled with a vibration damping device comprising a clamp and cushion, is used to maintain spacing and isolate the electric motor from vibrations, ensuring accurate positioning and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the electric actuator is mounted directly on the hydraulic drive without vibration damping, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the magnetic field sensor chip cannot accurately sense the rotational orientation due to shock and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational orientation sensing accuracyVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vibration damping device as an intermediary component between the electric actuator and the hydraulic drive. This device includes a damping element that absorbs vibrations and shocks, preventing them from reaching the magnetic field sensor chip and magnet assembly, thereby maintaining accurate rotational orientation sensing without requiring direct rigid mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies vibration damping elements in advance before the shock and vibration can affect the sensing system. The damping device is pre-installed in the mounting structure to cushion and absorb vibrational forces before they reach the magnetic field sensor chip and magnet, ensuring continuous accurate measurement despite external vibrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the electric actuator is mounted directly on the hydraulic drive without vibration damping, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the electric motor is vulnerable to shock and vibration damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric motor protectionVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration damping device serves as a protective intermediary between the hydraulic drive and the electric actuator. It isolates the electric motor from shock and vibration forces generated by the hydraulic system, preventing damage to the motor and its components while allowing the motor to operate reliably

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping elements are positioned to cushion and absorb shock forces before they can reach and damage the electric motor. This preventive protection is built into the mounting structure, ensuring the motor is protected from vibrations and shocks before they can cause damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Measurement precision

If the spacing between the magnet and magnetic field sensor chip is not maintained precisely, then the assembly is easier and faster, but the rotational orientation sensing becomes inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational orientation sensing accuracyVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is designed with pre-formed spacing features such as ribs, protrusions, or recesses that automatically maintain the correct distance between the magnet and magnetic field sensor chip during assembly. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures accurate spacing is achieved without requiring complex adjustment procedures during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure itself provides the spacing function through its inherent geometry. The structure automatically maintains the required distance between components through features like ribs or positioning elements, eliminating the need for external spacing components or complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution enables precise control adjustments and effective vibration damping, enhancing the accuracy and durability of the electric actuator in variable drive apparatuses by maintaining a consistent signal and reducing the impact of shock and vibration.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field sensor chip disposed on a circuit board to sense the rotational orientation of a cylindrical diametric magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

A biasing member is used to maintain a functional spacing between the magnet and the magnetic field sensor chip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical biasing: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a vibration damping device comprising a clamp that surrounds a housing of the electric motor portion of the electric actuator assembly to isolate and protect the electric motor from shock and vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 4

A cushion is used to enhance the vibration damping protection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration cushioning: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12184152B1Vibration damping apparatus for mounting an electric actuator on a hydraulic drive
Publication Date: 2024.12.31 HYDRO GEAR LP
  • US12184152B1 patent drawing
  • US12184152B1 patent drawing
  • US12184152B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vibration damping apparatus for mounting an electric actuator on a hydraulic drive is disclosed herein. A mounting assembly comprises a mounting adapter and a vibration damping clamp. A base plate is coupled to and positioned between a housing of the electric actuator and the drive to mount the actuator housing to the drive. A support arm extends from the base plate and the damping clamp is coupled to a distal end of the support arm. The damping clamp extends circumferentially about a housing of an electric motor of the actuator to secure the electric motor to the drive. A fastener may couple a drive adapter to a trunnion, and a magnet is mounted to the fastener and positioned adjacent to a magnetic field sensor positioned within an electric actuator housing. A spring biases the magnet into a positional range adjacent to the field sensor.