Hydraulic Actuator Fluid Routing Through a Ball-and-Socket Link
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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 about its circumference or longitudinal axis to convey hydraulic fluid directly to the actuating device, eliminating the need for separate conduits and allowing for a ball and socket joint that enables rotation and tilting without inhibiting movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a servovalve is located on the rotating component with separate hydraulic cables and conduits, then fluid control is achieved, but the complexity of electrical and fluid connections increases and movement is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic fluid conveyance function directly into the intermediate member structure. The intermediate member itself acts as the fluid conduit, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic cables and external conduits. This merging of structure and function reduces connection complexity while maintaining reliable fluid control to the servovalve.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member serves as an intermediary element that performs multiple functions: it mechanically connects the fixed and moving portions, allows relative movement through the ball and socket joint, and simultaneously conveys hydraulic fluid through its internal passages. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by integrating control functionality into the mechanical connection itself.
2Quantity of substance
If separate hydraulic cables and conduits are used, then fluid supply is provided, but the size of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid supply function is merged into the intermediate member's structure. Instead of adding separate cables and conduits that would increase actuator size, the intermediate member's body itself contains internal passages that convey hydraulic fluid. This integration eliminates the need for additional external components and reduces overall actuator volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical and fluid connections are provided to rotate with the actuator, then rotary motion is enabled, but the design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid connection function from the rotating assembly and integrates it into the intermediate member that remains relatively stationary or has controlled movement. By taking out the complex rotating electrical and fluid connection requirements and replacing them with the intermediate member's internal fluid passages, the design complexity is significantly reduced while rotary motion capability is preserved through the ball and socket joint.
4Ease of operation
If fluid connections are made through the intermediate member, then movement freedom is increased, but the fluid delivery path must be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid delivery function with the intermediate member's structure. The intermediate member contains internal passages that convey hydraulic fluid from the fixed portion to the moving portion. This integration allows the moving portion to have increased movement freedom through the ball and socket joint while the fluid delivery path is seamlessly incorporated into the intermediate member itself, eliminating the need for external flexible hoses or complex routing.
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 reduces the complexity and size of fluid connections, enhances fluid delivery and force balance, and allows for increased mobility of the actuator's moving portion by integrating fluid supply within the intermediate member, facilitating efficient hydraulic actuation.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The second portion may be linked to the first portion via a ball and socket joint. This is seen as an optimum type of connection for the first and second portions, since it permits a large amount of movement between the two components
Implementation Method 3
The intermediate member may comprise a plurality of fluid inlet or outlet ports spaced substantially equally about a circumference or longitudinal axis thereof. This means that the hydraulic forces on the intermediate member are balanced
Data Source
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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.