Hydraulic Actuator Accumulator Layout for Pump Ripple Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems experience undesirable vibrations and acoustic noise due to fluid pressure and flow fluctuations, which can lead to accelerated wear and tear on equipment and objectionable noise levels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating actuators with specific designs and components such as flow restrictions, accumulators, and electric motor/generators to mitigate pressure and flow fluctuations by altering resonance frequencies and damping mechanisms, including the use of compliant mounts and blow-off valves to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydraulic systems operate with standard components and configurations, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but fluid pressure and flow fluctuations cause vibrations and acoustic noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces accumulators as intermediary components between the hydraulic pump and the actuator. These accumulators absorb pressure fluctuations and dampen flow variations, acting as a buffer that reduces vibrations and acoustic noise without requiring complete system redesign. The accumulators serve as mediators that isolate the noise-generating pump from the sensitive actuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the noise and vibration problem from the main hydraulic system by isolating it into separate accumulator chambers. By separating the fluctuation-absorbing function into dedicated accumulator components, the main hydraulic circuit can operate efficiently while the extracted fluctuations are contained and dampened in the accumulator sections, reducing overall system vibrations and noise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flow restrictions are added to dampen pressure fluctuations, then vibrations are reduced, but fluid flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flow restrictions through adjustable orifices and variable restrictors that can change their opening size based on operating conditions. During high-fluctuation conditions, the restrictors close partially to dampen vibrations. During normal operation, they open fully to maintain high fluid flow rates. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve vibration reduction only when needed, without permanently compromising productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulators in the patent operate through periodic charge and discharge cycles. During the charge phase, they absorb excess pressure and flow fluctuations. During the discharge phase, they release stored energy to maintain steady flow. This periodic action allows the system to dampen vibrations during fluctuation peaks while maintaining high average flow rates through the release phase, thus not permanently reducing productivity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If accumulators are installed to reduce pressure fluctuations, then noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the accumulator component: pressure fluctuation damping, flow rate stabilization, and noise reduction. By merging these functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate devices for each function, the patent reduces the overall number of components needed. The accumulator serves as a multi-functional element that addresses multiple harmful effects simultaneously, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulators in the patent are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: they dampen pressure fluctuations, reduce flow variations, absorb vibrations, and reduce acoustic noise. This multi-functionality means that adding accumulators does not require adding separate components for each function, as one component handles all these tasks. The universal design of the accumulators limits the increase in device complexity while providing comprehensive noise reduction.
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
Reduces vibrations and acoustic noise by shifting resonance frequencies to less concerning ranges, providing effective damping and improved ride quality in vehicles with active suspension systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow through accumulator disposed along the first flow path between the hydraulic device and the first volume, and a second flow through accumulator disposed along the first flow path between the hydraulic device and the second volume
Implementation Method 2
at least one flow restriction disposed along the first flow path
Implementation Method 3
at least one flow restriction disposed along the first flow path. The at least one flow restriction damps a resonance between the first accumulator and the second accumulator
Implementation Method 4
an electric motor/generator operatively coupled to the hydraulic device
Data Source
AI summary
Active suspension systems may include actuators with combinations of accumulators and flow restrictions. In some embodiments, methods and constructions may be implemented to mitigate pump ripple and/or resonances between different hydraulic components.