Fluid-Assist Actuator Controller for Consistent Return Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spring return pneumatic actuators face a significant reduction in thrust as the spring relaxes, resulting in less effective return action compared to the initial displacement, limiting their efficiency in applications requiring consistent force.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-assist actuator controller with a primary and secondary spool system, utilizing pressurized fluid to enhance the return action of spring-loaded actuators by maintaining pressure equilibrium between chambers, ensuring consistent thrust through the use of one-way seal membranes and adjustable venting, thereby leveraging residual air pressure for additional torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If spring return pneumatic actuators are used, then the actuator can return to initial position using spring force, but the thrust decreases significantly as the spring relaxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure from the fluid system to assist the spring return action. A fluid outlet connects to a chamber behind the piston, allowing pressurized fluid to act on the piston during return stroke, combining spring force with fluid pressure to maintain consistent thrust throughout the return motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by utilizing residual pressurized fluid from the system. The fluid outlet delivers pressurized fluid to the piston chamber, dynamically adjusting the force applied to the piston during return stroke to compensate for spring relaxation.
2Power
If residual air pressure is utilized, then additional torque is provided for actuator operation, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller body serves multiple functions: it acts as a fluid distribution manifold, a pressure regulation chamber, and a control unit. The same pressurized fluid system that operates the actuator forward stroke also provides assist pressure for the return stroke, eliminating the need for separate return mechanism components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the return mechanism with the existing fluid distribution system. The fluid outlet and chamber are integrated into the controller body, combining the functions of fluid delivery, pressure storage, and return force generation into a single integrated structure.
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 fluid-assist actuator controller maintains and utilizes residual air pressure to provide consistent and increased thrust during the return action, overcoming the limitations of spring relaxation, ensuring efficient operation and maintaining system position even with irregular pressure supply.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-way seal membrane extending in the first chamber and a second one-way seal membrane extending in the second chamber, and admitting fluid flow only in direction from the first chamber towards the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
utilizing pressurized fluid to enhance the return action of spring-loaded actuators by maintaining pressure equilibrium between chambers
Implementation Method 3
the piston is spring biased in one direction and pneumatically urged in the opposed direction
Implementation Method 4
a venting outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
Actuator controller comprising a body (12) with an inlet port (14) coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and in flow communication with primary and secondary spool bores (16, 20); primary and secondary spools (60, 62); first and second cross flow ports (48, 52) communicating said primary and secondary spool bores, compression and expansion outlet ports (53, 54) for applying pressurized fluid to a return-biased actuator (110); and a venting outlet port (23); wherein return action of the working piston of the actuator is facilitated with aid of pressurized fluid already gained in the system.