Actuator Synchronization System for Nozzle Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nozzle synchronization systems face inefficiencies due to individual actuator friction, flow force, and rate characteristics, leading to inaccuracies in nozzle positioning and fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
An actuator synchronization system with a control valve connected to multiple actuators via a mechanical connector, such as a flexible cable or universal joint, ensures synchronized rotational motion of drive links, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through a servo valve, with feedback linkages and bias mechanisms to maintain pressure equilibrium and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual actuators are used with separate control valves, then each actuator can operate independently, but friction, flow force, and rate characteristics vary between actuators leading to positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuator control into a single integrated system where a common feedback linkage and synchronization mechanism coordinate the motion of multiple actuators. The feedback linkage from each actuator connects to a common rotation member, allowing the system to treat multiple actuators as a unified controlled entity rather than separate independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the position of each actuator is fed back through feedback linkages to a common rotation member. This feedback system continuously monitors actuator positions and adjusts the synchronization mechanism to maintain accurate positioning despite variations in individual actuator characteristics.
2Reliability
If mechanical connectors like flexible cables are used to synchronize actuators, then actuator motion can be synchronized, but friction and mechanical play reduce control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic synchronization mechanism where a common hydraulic fluid system transmits motion and force between actuators. Instead of relying on mechanical connectors with friction and play, the system uses incompressible hydraulic fluid to synchronize actuator motion with high precision and without mechanical backlash.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical synchronization connectors (such as flexible cables and gears) with a hydraulic system. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction, wear, and play that degrade precision, using fluid pressure and flow instead to achieve synchronized actuator motion with superior control accuracy.
3Productivity
If a two-stage electrohydraulic servo valve is used to control multiple actuators, then fluid flow can be regulated, but leakage and pressure losses reduce system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid control system into separate dedicated control valves for each actuator rather than using a single two-stage servo valve for multiple actuators. This segmentation allows each actuator to have its own optimized control path, reducing cumulative leakage and pressure losses that would occur in a shared control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements individual control valves for each actuator, providing more control authority than a single two-stage valve would allow. This excessive action approach ensures that each actuator receives sufficient, optimized fluid flow without the pressure losses and leakage that would occur in a shared control system, maintaining high efficiency even at partial stroke positions.
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 system achieves higher accuracy and reduced leakage by synchronizing the motion of actuators, enabling precise control of nozzle positioning and fluid flow, thereby improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of the nozzle synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
an output stage element in fluid communication with the port of the main valve and having an output member moveably mounted along an output axis, and configured to be moved from a first output position to a second output position along the output axis by a pressure differential applied on the output member by the main valve
Implementation Method 2
a feedback linkage acting between the valve member and the output member
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical connector between each of the input stage elements and/or the drive links configured such that rotational motion of each of the respective drive links about the respective fixed drive axis is substantially the same and thereby synchronized
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator synchronization system comprising a control valve in fluid communication with a plurality of actuators; each of the actuators comprising an input member moveable by the control valve, a main valve moveable from a null to an off-null position, an output member moveable from a first to a second output position, and a feedback linkage and a drive link configured such that selective movement of the input member causes movement of the valve from the null to the off-null position and movement of the output member to the second output position causes movement of the valve member from the off-null to the null position; and a mechanical connector between each of the input members or drive links of the actuators configured such that rotational motion of each of the respective drive links is synchronized.