Differential-Area Ring Gate Cylinder for Single-Pressure Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring gate control systems in the hydropower industry require multiple pressure levels, leading to complexity, high maintenance, and increased costs due to the need for numerous hydraulic components.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system utilizing a cylinder with a piston and two chambers, where a single actuating fluid at a consistent pressure is used to control the ring gate's movement by varying the piston's surface area exposure, reducing the force required for operation and eliminating the need for dual pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two different pressure levels are used to operate the hydraulic cylinders (high pressure for opening, low pressure for closing), then the ring gate can be operated effectively against weight and differential pressure, but the hydraulic system becomes complicated, costly, and requires high maintenance due to needing two pressure tanks and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of two separate pressure systems into a single hydraulic circuit by using one pressure tank and one pump that can deliver a single pressure level to both chambers of the cylinder. The differential area design of the piston allows this single pressure source to achieve both opening and closing operations, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the piston by designing chambers with different cross-sectional areas. This parameter change allows a single pressure level to produce different force magnitudes in opposite directions, enabling the system to operate effectively without requiring two different pressure levels, thus simplifying the hydraulic system.
2Power
If two pressure tanks and multiple hydraulic components are used to build two pressure levels, then the ring gate can be opened and closed effectively, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic components into a simplified system using a single pressure tank, one pump, and one hydraulic circuit that serves both chambers. This merging reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby lowering costs and maintenance requirements while preserving full actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic circuit and pressure source are designed to perform multiple functions: delivering high force during opening and controlling closure, all through one system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each operation, reducing overall system cost and complexity.
3Device complexity
If the piston areas in both chambers are equal, then the hydraulic system is simpler, but the cylinder cannot effectively open the ring gate against weight and differential pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately changes the area parameter of the piston chambers, making one chamber have a larger cross-sectional area than the other. This parameter change enables the same pressure to generate different forces in each direction, providing sufficient opening force against weight and differential pressure while maintaining a relatively simple single-pressure hydraulic system.
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 solution simplifies the hydraulic system by reducing the number of components, enhancing robustness, and lowering costs while maintaining effective control of the ring gate's movement between open and closed positions.
Implementation Method 1
a first chamber (22) and a second chamber (24) which are each designed to receive and to evacuate an actuating fluid, such as oil
Implementation Method 2
The piston (20) is able to move in the body (18) in a first direction (I) in which the volume of the second chamber (24) increases while the volume of the first chamber (22) decreases
Implementation Method 3
Said additional element is connected in said second chamber to an area of the piston turned toward said second chamber, said area having a surface less than an area of the piston turned toward the first chamber
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses in particular an actuation cylinder (10) for controlling the movement of a ring-gate (40) of a hydraulic machine, said actuation cylinder (10) comprising a body (18) forming a first chamber (22) provided with a first duct (26) and a second chamber (24) provided with a second duct (28) which are designed to receive an actuating fluid through said first duct (26) and said second duct (28), said chambers being separated from one another by a piston (20) connected to an actuating rod (14) and able to move in said body in a first direction in which the volume of the second chamber increases while the volume of the first chamber decreases, and in a second direction in which the volume of the second chamber decreases while the volume of the first chamber increases, said piston being provided with a rod (30) connected in said second chamber to an area (20b) of the piston turned toward said second chamber, said area (20b) having a surface less than an area (20a) of the piston turned toward the first chamber.