Hydraulic Actuator Intermediate Member for Rotary Fluid Supply
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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 complicates the design and increases the size of the actuator.
Innovation Solution
The use of an intermediate member with a ball and socket joint to convey hydraulic fluid directly to the servovalve, reducing the need for external conduits and allowing for balanced hydraulic forces, thereby enabling efficient fluid delivery and movement of the actuator components.
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:
The patent introduces an intermediate member that acts as a mediator between the fixed first portion and the movable second portion. This intermediate member carries the servovalve and includes internal fluid conduits that convey hydraulic fluid without requiring external rotating connections. The intermediate member's ball and socket joint allows movement while the internal conduits maintain sealed fluid pathways, eliminating the complexity of rotating fluid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The servovalve is nested within the intermediate member, which itself is nested within the actuator structure. The fluid conduits are integrated into the intermediate member's body, creating a nested arrangement where the servovalve and its fluid supply are contained within the moving portion without requiring external connections. This nesting eliminates the need for rotating conduits while maintaining fluid supply.
2Ease of operation
If external hydraulic conduits are used to supply fluid to the servovalve, then fluid can be supplied, but the conduits inhibit the movement of the moving portion of the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate member serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for external hydraulic conduits. By integrating the fluid supply function into the intermediate member itself, the patent removes the constraint that external conduits would impose on the movement of the moving portion. The internal conduits within the intermediate member allow free movement without external restrictions.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator size is reduced, then the actuator becomes more compact, but providing fluid and electrical connections to a rotating servovalve becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the servovalve, its fluid supply system, and the moving portion into a single integrated intermediate member. By combining these elements, the design eliminates separate rotating connections and reduces the overall actuator size. The servovalve is positioned within the intermediate member's moving portion, and its fluid supply is integrated through internal conduits, creating a compact unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement places the servovalve within the intermediate member, which is itself part of the compact actuator structure. This nesting allows the servovalve and its fluid supply to be contained within the moving portion without requiring additional space for external connections, enabling size reduction while maintaining functionality.
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 fluid links and allowing for reduced actuator size, while maintaining efficient fluid supply and balance of hydraulic forces, enabling smooth rotation and tilting without inhibiting movement.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate member is further configured to convey hydraulic fluid to the servovalve 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
Implementation Method 3
the piston and cavity define one or more chambers of varying volume depending on the position of the piston within the cavity
Implementation Method 4
movement of the piston causes actuation of the actuating member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
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.