Integrally Formed Fluid Reservoir for Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydraulic and pneumatic transmission systems are inefficient, costly, noisy, and limited in mobility due to their inability to maintain consistent fluid pressure across different orientations, leading to complex operation and potential system failures, especially in demanding applications like robotics and aviation.
Innovation Solution
A passive, latent fluid reservoir member is integrated into the system to absorb pressure increases and provide fluid back into the transmission system, enabling energy recapture and efficient power distribution across multiple joints, while using advanced control algorithms and valves to manage pressure independently on both sides of the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional hydraulic or pneumatic transmission systems are used to provide fluid at fixed pressure, then the system can operate with simple components, but the system becomes inefficient, noisy, and unable to maintain consistent pressure across different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir member is integrally formed with the actuator body, merging two previously separate components (reservoir and actuator) into a single integrated unit. This integration reduces system complexity while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of having a dedicated reservoir that can compensate for orientation-related pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir member automatically absorbs pressure increases and provides fluid back to the transmission system without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-regulating feature improves energy efficiency by passively compensating for pressure variations caused by different system orientations, eliminating the need for active pressure management.
2Reliability
If traditional systems operate at constant high pressure to ensure reliable performance, then the system can maintain consistent operation, but noise increases and component stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir member enables the system to dynamically adjust fluid pressure parameters based on orientation and operational needs. Instead of maintaining constant high pressure, the system allows pressure to vary within safe limits, with the reservoir compensating for drops caused by orientation changes. This reduces noise and component stress while maintaining reliability through active pressure management.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional systems are designed for specific orientations to maintain appropriate fluid pressure, then the system can operate efficiently in those orientations, but the system mobility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated reservoir member provides universal pressure compensation functionality that works across all system orientations. This multi-functional design allows the actuator to maintain efficient operation whether oriented vertically, horizontally, or at any angle in between, significantly improving system adaptability and mobility without sacrificing energy efficiency.
4Loss of energy
If pressure increases are allowed in the transmission system, then energy can be recaptured and stored, but system components may experience excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir member acts as a pre-configured cushion that absorbs pressure increases before they can damage system components. By providing this protective capacity in advance, the system can safely recapture and store energy from pressure increases knowing that the reservoir will prevent excessive stress on other components.
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 significantly enhances energy efficiency, power density, and controllability, allowing for precise movement and energy recapture, reducing noise and component stress, and enabling systems to operate reliably across varying orientations without the need for constant high pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the reservoir member capable of at least absorbing any pressure increases in the transmission system
Implementation Method 2
providing fluid back into the transmission system
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid power device, method and system, the device including a passive, latent, integrally formed fluid reservoir member designed for operable communication with a transmission system, the reservoir member capable of at least absorbing any pressure increases in the transmission system and providing fluid back into the transmission system.