Fluid Control Actuator With Stall-Triggered Force Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control devices lack a suitable control mechanism to effectively manage fluid flow rates and valve positioning, particularly in scenarios where precise control of driving forces is required to prevent friction-induced stoppages.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system with a control unit that employs both a first and second driving force to manage the movement of a valve body, utilizing an elastic member to transmit forces and a detection unit to monitor the stoppage of the drive part, allowing for adaptive control strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driving force control is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and reliability deteriorate when friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically switches between first control (weak driving force) and second control (strong driving force) based on the operational state and friction conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability across varying friction conditions without requiring a permanently complex control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the driving force parameter between two distinct levels: a first driving force for normal operation and a second driving force for overcoming friction-induced stoppages. This parameter switching enables reliable operation without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a strong driving force is always applied, then the reliability is improved, but the energy consumption and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a strong second driving force only partially - specifically when friction-induced stoppage is detected - rather than continuously. This partial application of excessive force ensures reliability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from the detection unit to determine when to switch between driving force levels. This feedback mechanism ensures that the stronger second driving force is applied only when necessary to overcome friction, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If friction is not compensated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting stoppages caused by friction and preemptively applying the second driving force to prevent prolonged stoppages. This preliminary response maintains productivity without requiring a permanently complex friction compensation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism dynamically responds to friction-induced stoppages by switching between control modes. This dynamic adaptation maintains operational continuity and productivity without permanently increasing device 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 precise control of fluid flow rates and valve positioning by distinguishing between first and second driving forces, ensuring effective operation even when friction increases, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the fluid control device.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to receive at least one of the first driving force and the second driving force from the drive part and to supply a force for the moving part to move
Data Source
AI summary
The actuator includes a control unit configured to allow a first control capable of driving a drive part with a first driving force and a second control capable of driving the drive part with a second driving force which is stronger than the first driving force, a moving part configured to move in a predetermined direction, an elastic member configured to receive at least one of the first driving force and the second driving force from the drive part and to supply a force for the moving part to move to the moving part, and a detection unit configured to supply a detection signal for detecting a stop of the drive part to the control unit, in which the control unit performs the second control when a stop of the drive part is detected after performing the first control.