Actuator Pressure Intensifying Assembly for High Force Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic actuators in applications like aircraft require high output forces, which typically necessitate larger actuators or higher supply pressures, leading to increased size and weight, posing challenges in space and weight-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
An actuator pressure intensifying assembly comprising a mode valve and a gear motor assembly that locally increases supply pressure when needed, using a mode valve to switch between direct flow and a path through a gear motor assembly to intensify pressure, thereby providing higher control pressure without increasing overall actuator size or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the actuator size is increased to provide high output force, then the output force is improved, but the weight and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
A mode valve is introduced as an intermediary component that directs fluid flow between different paths. The mode valve switches between a direct flow path (normal mode) and a path through the gear motor assembly (intensifying mode), enabling the system to achieve high output force without permanently increasing actuator size or weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes using the mode valve. In normal mode, fluid flows directly to the actuator for standard operation. In intensifying mode, the mode valve redirects fluid through the gear motor assembly which multiplies pressure, providing high output force only when needed, thus avoiding the need for a permanently larger actuator.
2Force
If the supply pressure is increased to provide high output force, then the output force is improved, but the system weight and component size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure intensification function is segmented into a separate gear motor assembly rather than being integrated into the main actuator. This allows the system to maintain normal supply pressure for most operations while providing localized pressure multiplication only when high output force is required, reducing overall system pressure requirements and component sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear motor assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure intensifier when high force is needed, and the mode valve provides universal control by routing fluid through different paths. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both normal and high-pressure requirements with a single integrated assembly, avoiding the need for separate high-pressure components throughout the system.
3Force
If a pressure intensifying system is added to provide high output force without increasing actuator size, then the output force capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mode valve and gear motor assembly are merged into a single integrated unit that can be positioned close to the actuator. This combination reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the pressure intensification capability. The integrated design minimizes leakage paths and reduces installation complexity.
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
Enables high output forces without enlarging the actuator or increasing supply pressure, minimizing weight and size while maintaining high operating speeds and reducing leakage risks, suitable for compact installations like aircraft wings.
Implementation Method 1
the supply pressure flows from the input port to an output port in a second fluid flow path which includes the gear motor assembly between the input port and the output port which intensifies the supply pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator pressure intensifying assembly includes a mode valve and a gear motor assembly, the mode valve arranged to receive, at an input port, a supply pressure and to provide, at an output port, a control pressure to an actuator, the mode valve further configured to move, in response to the supply pressure exceeding a predetermined activation threshold, from a first mode in which the supply pressure flows directly from the input port to the output port in a first fluid flow path, and a second mode in which the supply pressure flows from the input port to the output port in a second fluid flow path which includes the gear motor assembly between the input port and the output port which intensifies the supply pressure such that the control pressure is higher than the supply pressure.