Hydraulic Accumulator with Pressure Sensor and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic accumulators in start-stop systems face challenges in efficiently managing fluid pressure and flow control, particularly in automatic transmission systems, where precise control is needed to optimize energy storage and release during engine start-stop cycles.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic accumulator design featuring a housing with a piston and biasing members, along with a fluid flow control device and pressure sensor, which controls the fluid chamber's pressure to manage fluid entry and exit, ensuring optimal energy storage and release by adjusting fluid flow based on pressure sensor readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional hydraulic accumulator is used in start-stop systems, then the structure is simple, but the fluid pressure and flow control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the fluid pressure in the accumulator and sends signals to a control unit, which then adjusts the fluid flow control device (solenoid valve) to maintain desired pressure levels. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise pressure control while managing the complexity through systematic integration of control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional purely mechanical pressure control mechanisms with an electro-hydraulic control system. The solenoid valve (electromagnetic actuator) substitutes for mechanical spring-loaded valves, and the control unit with pressure sensor replaces mechanical pressure-regulating devices, enabling more precise and programmable pressure control.
2Productivity
If fluid flow control is added to the accumulator, then the energy storage and release efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to the accumulator through the solenoid valve, which can be electronically controlled to adjust fluid flow rates in real-time based on system demands. This transforms the accumulator from a passive static storage device to an active dynamic system that can optimize energy storage and release rates, improving overall productivity and response efficiency.
3Reliability
If precise fluid flow control is implemented, then the pressure management during start-stop cycles is optimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from the pressure sensor to continuously monitor and adjust fluid flow, ensuring reliable pressure management during engine start-stop cycles. The control unit processes sensor signals and actuates the solenoid valve accordingly, creating a self-regulating system that maintains pressure within desired ranges regardless of system variations.
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 design enhances the efficiency of energy storage and release in hydraulic systems by precisely controlling fluid flow and pressure, optimizing the accumulator's performance in automatic transmission systems during engine start-stop cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that urges the piston towards one end of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the desired amount of fluid entering and exiting the fluid chamber is controlled by the fluid flow control device according to the desired pressure within the fluid chamber as determined by a pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic accumulator includes a housing with a pair of ends, a piston slidably disposed in the interior of the housing, and a biasing member that urges the piston towards one end of the housing. The accumulator further includes a fluid flow control device in communication with a fluid chamber defined by a face of the piston and the interior surface of the housing. The desired amount of fluid entering and exiting the fluid chamber is controlled by the fluid flow control device according to the desired pressure within the fluid chamber as determined by a pressure sensor which is also in communication with the fluid chamber.