Hydraulic Actuator Fluid Routing for Rotary Motion Freedom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic actuators face challenges in efficiently supplying hydraulic fluid to servovalves, particularly in rotary motion applications, due to the need for rotating electrical and fluid connections, which can inhibit movement and increase the size of the actuator.

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, combined with a ball and socket joint, allows for balanced hydraulic forces and reduced fluid links, enabling efficient fluid delivery and movement without external conduits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a servovalve is located on the rotating component with separate hydraulic cables or conduits, then fluid supply to the servovalve is achieved, but the movement and rotation of the actuator is inhibited and the size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid supply to servovalveVSAvoidmovement and rotation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic fluid supply system is merged with the intermediate member structure itself. The intermediate member contains internal fluid conduits that convey hydraulic fluid from the fixed portion to the servovalve on the moving portion, eliminating the need for separate external hydraulic cables or conduits. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing reliable fluid supply while maintaining full rotational freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate member acts as an intermediary between the fixed portion and the moving portion. It contains embedded fluid conduits that serve as the mediator for hydraulic fluid transmission, allowing fluid to reach the servovalve without requiring external flexible hoses that would constrain movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate hydraulic cables or conduits are used to supply fluid to the servovalve, then fluid supply is established, but the actuator size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid supply to servovalveVSAvoidactuator size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If fluid ports are not spaced equally on the intermediate member, then fluid delivery may be simpler, but hydraulic forces become unbalanced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid port positioningVSAvoidhydraulic force balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The principle of symmetry is applied here (opposite of asymmetry) - the fluid ports are positioned symmetrically/equally spaced around the intermediate member. This symmetric arrangement ensures that hydraulic forces are evenly distributed and balanced on the intermediate member during rotation, preventing instability while maintaining manufacturability through standardized port patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 eliminating the need for separate hydraulic cables or conduits, allowing for increased rotation and tilting capabilities while maintaining a compact size.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The second portion may be linked to the first portion via a ball and socket joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical articulation: Ball

Data Source

PatentUS11519431B2Hydraulic actuator

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 MICROTECHNICA SRL

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.