Coupled Working-Chamber Actuator for Passive Four-Quadrant Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator devices face limitations in achieving efficient four-quadrant operation without the use of active components, particularly in conveying fluid into and out of working chambers, which complicates the movement and control of drive unit elements.
Innovation Solution
An actuator device with two coupled working chambers, where an increase in volume of one chamber is accompanied by a reduction in the other, utilizing a pumping device with solid-state actuators and flow paths to manage fluid flow and valve operations, enabling four-quadrant operation without active components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If active components are used to control fluid flow into and out of working chambers, then precise control of drive unit element movement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the motor unit's own operation to control fluid flow. When the motor unit rotates in different directions, it automatically directs fluid into different working chambers or allows fluid to flow out, eliminating the need for separate active control components. The drive unit element's movement self-regulates the fluid flow paths through the mechanical coupling between chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active components to control fluid flow direction, the invention inverts the approach by using the motor unit's rotation direction to naturally direct fluid flow. The system leverages the reverse relationship between motor rotation and fluid path selection, where clockwise rotation directs fluid one way and counter-clockwise rotation directs it the other way, eliminating complex valve control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active components are used for four-quadrant operation, then bidirectional movement control is achieved, but weight and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple active control components into a single integrated system. The two working chambers are mechanically coupled such that fluid flow control for four-quadrant operation is achieved through the combined operation of the motor unit and the coupled chambers, rather than through separate control mechanisms for each quadrant of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor unit serves multiple functions: it directly drives the drive unit element, it controls fluid flow direction into different working chambers, and it enables four-quadrant operation through its bidirectional rotation capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated control components, reducing overall system weight.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex valve systems are used to manage fluid flow, then precise chamber volume control is achieved, but parts quantity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex valve control system from the design and replaces it with a simplified fluid path configuration. The coupled working chambers and motor unit directly control fluid flow without requiring intermediate valve components, thereby reducing parts quantity while maintaining volume control precision through the mechanical relationship between chambers.
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 configuration allows for simple and cost-effective four-quadrant operation, enabling controlled movement of drive unit elements in both directions with reduced parts, weight, and installation space, while maintaining high rigidity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pumping device (36) has a piezoelectric actuator (38), by means of which a fluid is conveyable
Implementation Method 2
an increase in volume of a first of the working chambers (12, 14) is accompanied, in particular simultaneously, by a reduction in volume of the second working chamber (12, 14) and vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator device, having two working chambers which are coupled to one another in such a way that a volume increase in a first of the working chambers is associated with a volume decrease in the second working chamber, and vice versa. There is provided an output device which can be driven, and thus moved, by the respective volume increase in the respective working chamber. There is provided a pump device having a solid-state actuator and intended for conveying a fluid. There is provided a first flow path through which the fluid conveyed by means of the pump device can flow and via which, to bring about the volume increase in the first working chamber, the fluid conveyed by means of the pump device and flowing through the first flow path can be introduced into the first working chamber.