Hybrid Actuation for Construction Equipment Working Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The size and weight of electromechanical actuators in construction equipment pose practical difficulties due to limited space and offset weight, impacting performance, especially in distal working elements.
Innovation Solution
A combination of an electromechanical actuator and a hydraulic actuator is used, where the hydraulic actuator boosts the force generated by the electromechanical actuator, allowing for minimized size and weight while maintaining substantial combined effort and stroke, with the hydraulic actuator providing additional force when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the size and weight of electromechanical actuators are restricted, then integration and protection become easier, but the performance of the construction equipment is significantly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an electromechanical actuator with a hydraulic actuator into a hybrid actuation system. The electromechanical actuator provides precise control and baseline force, while the hydraulic actuator supplements with additional force when needed, allowing the electromechanical component to be smaller without compromising overall system performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic actuator that works in conjunction with the electromechanical actuator. The hydraulic system provides high-force supplementation for demanding operations, enabling the electromechanical actuator to be minimized in size while maintaining the capability to handle heavy loads and difficult working conditions
2Extent of automation
If electromechanical actuators are used to replace hydraulic cylinders, then electrification and noise reduction are achieved, but the size and weight of distal actuators create integration difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromechanical actuator with a hydraulic actuator into an integrated hybrid system. This combination allows the electromechanical component to be smaller and easier to integrate, while the hydraulic component handles the high-force requirements, thus reducing overall integration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuator serves as an intermediary that supplements the electromechanical actuator's output. This mediator provides additional force capability without requiring the electromechanical actuator to be oversized, thereby simplifying integration into the support element
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 combination enables efficient operation of working elements with reduced electromechanical actuator size and weight, facilitating integration and protection, and enhances performance by providing additional force during peak demands.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical actuator which, when activated, converts electrical power into a first force moving the carriage along the first axis
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic actuator, which connects the carriage and a first element that is either the working element or the support element so as to move the working element relative to the support element with at least partly the first force when the electromechanical actuator is activated, and which, when activated, converts hydraulic power into a second force moving the first element and the carriage relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A construction equipment comprises a working element and at least one actuation device for operating the working element relative to a support element of the construction equipment. The actuation device includes a carriage guided and movable along an axis, an electromechanical actuator, which, when activated, converts electrical power into a first force moving the carriage along the first axis, and a hydraulic actuator, which connects the carriage and a first element that is either the working element or the support element so as to move the working element relative to the support element with at least partly the first force when the electromechanical actuator is activated, and which, when activated, converts hydraulic power into a second force moving the first element and the carriage relative to each other.