Hydraulic Actuation System Dynamic Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic actuation systems supply hydraulic fluid at a constant pressure, leading to inefficiencies such as excess energy loss during stable operations and reduced dynamic performance under degraded conditions due to factors like air content and mechanical elasticity changes.

Innovation Solution

A fluid supply controller with a feedback system that dynamically adjusts the supply pressure of hydraulic fluid to the servoactuator based on operational information, including pressure and position feedback, to optimize energy use and counteract system instabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If constant pressure is supplied to the hydraulic actuator, then the system is simple to operate, but energy loss increases during stable operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic pressure supply system that continuously adjusts the supply pressure based on real-time feedback from pressure sensors and control valve position. This replaces the static constant pressure supply with an adaptive system that optimizes pressure levels during different operational phases, reducing energy loss during stable operations while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where pressure sensors monitor the actuator chamber pressure and valve position, and this information is fed back to the fluid supply controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the supply pressure, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes energy consumption without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If constant pressure is supplied to the hydraulic actuator, then the system structure is simple, but dynamic performance deteriorates under degraded conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddynamic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static constant pressure supply into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing operational conditions. The fluid supply controller continuously adjusts pressure based on feedback from sensors, enabling the system to maintain optimal dynamic performance even when degraded by factors like air content or mechanical elasticity changes, while adding only moderate complexity through integrated control electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the supply pressure parameter dynamically rather than maintaining it constant. The fluid supply controller modifies pressure levels in real-time based on feedback information, allowing the system to adapt to degraded conditions by adjusting pressure compensation, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If higher supply pressure is used, then the actuator response speed increases, but mechanical stress and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator response speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic pressure adjustment that supplies high pressure only when rapid actuator response is needed, and reduces pressure during stable operations. This time-varying pressure supply optimizes the trade-off between response speed and energy consumption by matching pressure levels to actual operational requirements rather than maintaining constantly high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic or pulsed pressure application through the fluid supply controller, which adjusts pressure in response to feedback signals. This allows high pressure to be applied intermittently only when actuator movement is required, rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining responsive performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach enhances the efficiency and robustness of hydraulic actuation systems by optimizing power consumption and reducing mechanical stress, thereby improving the actuator's performance and lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid supply controller comprising a feedback system for receiving information relating to the operation of the hydraulic actuation system, the fluid supply controller configured to adjust the supply of hydraulic fluid based on the information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3401553B1Hydraulic actuation system
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 RATIER FIGEAC SAS
  • EP3401553B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3401553B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3401553B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a hydraulic actuator system comprising a servoactuator including a hydraulic actuator (10) and a control valve (20), wherein the supply of hydraulic fluid to the servoactuator from a fluid supply (32) is adjustable through a control system (40) based on feedback information relating to the servoactuator. The hydraulic actuator system may e.g. be used for controlling blade pitch in a variable pitch propeller system such as may be found on a turboprop aircraft or a ship.