Hydraulic Actuator Fluid Path Through a Ball-and-Socket Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic actuators face challenges in efficiently supplying hydraulic fluid to servovalves, particularly when rotary motion is required, due to the need for electrical and fluid connections that must rotate with the actuator, which complicates the design and increases size.
Innovation Solution
The use of an intermediate member with fluid inlet and outlet ports spaced equally around its circumference or longitudinal axis to convey hydraulic fluid, integrated with a ball and socket joint, allows for balanced hydraulic forces and reduced need for external conduits, enabling efficient fluid delivery and movement of the actuator's movable portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a servovalve is located on the rotating component with external fluid connections, then the actuator can control fluid pressure, but the electrical and fluid connections must rotate with the actuator which complicates the design and increases size
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate member is introduced between the fixed portion and the second portion to convey hydraulic fluid through its body. This intermediary component eliminates the need for external rotating fluid connections to the servovalve, as the intermediate member itself provides the fluid pathway while accommodating the rotary motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of fluid conveyance and mechanical connection are merged into the intermediate member. The intermediate member simultaneously serves as a structural connector between the fixed portion and the second portion, and as a fluid conduit that delivers hydraulic fluid to the servovalve, thereby eliminating separate external fluid connections.
2Ease of operation
If external hydraulic cables or conduits are used to supply fluid, then the servovalve can be supplied with hydraulic fluid, but these external links inhibit the movement of the moving portion of the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate member acts as an intermediary that integrates fluid supply within the actuator structure itself, eliminating external hydraulic cables or conduits. By conveying fluid through its own body, the intermediate member allows the second portion to move freely without restriction from external fluid links.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the intermediate member has fluid ports spaced equally about its circumference, then hydraulic forces are balanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the ideal configuration is symmetric with equally spaced ports, the patent acknowledges that exact symmetry is not strictly necessary. The design allows for practical manufacturing tolerances while maintaining sufficient force balance, recognizing that perfect symmetry would impose excessive manufacturing precision requirements.
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 configuration enhances the mobility and efficiency of hydraulic actuators by minimizing external fluid links, allowing for improved rotation and tilting capabilities without inhibiting movement, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid pressure may be applied on each side of the piston, wherein any difference in pressure between the two sides of the piston moves the piston to one side or the other
Implementation Method 2
The second portion may be linked to the first portion via a ball and socket joint
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic actuator is disclosed that comprises a first, fixed portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion. The second portion comprises a hydraulic actuating device for actuating a component, and the actuator further comprises an intermediate member configured to interconnect the first portion with the second portion and permit movement of the second portion relative to the first portion. The intermediate member is configured to convey hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuating device of the second portion through a body of the intermediate member.