Variable Displacement Hydraulic Unit With Wireless Coil Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic units with variable displacement face challenges due to the need for extensive electric connections and wiring, which increase manufacturing costs and can be a source of failure, especially in hydraulic systems where electric connections are complex and prone to issues.
Innovation Solution
A variable displacement hydraulic unit that employs an electrically drivable actuator with a first electric conductive coil to generate electromagnetic forces, allowing for inductive energy harvesting from power fluctuations, which is stored and used to power sensors and actuators wirelessly, reducing the need for external power sources and wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extensive electric connections and wiring are used to power sensors and actuators, then the functionality and control capability are improved, but the manufacturing costs increase and the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic unit's own operational energy is used to power the sensors and actuators through the magnetic coupling interface, eliminating the need for external wiring. The system serves itself by converting its operational movements into electrical energy for its own control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power supply function is extracted from the traditional wired system and implemented through a separate magnetic coupling interface. This allows the sensors and actuators to be powered wirelessly through electromagnetic induction from the hydraulic unit's operational movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive electric connections and wiring are used to power sensors and actuators, then the functionality and control capability are improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power supply function is extracted from the traditional wired system and implemented through a separate magnetic coupling interface. This eliminates the need for complex wiring harnesses, connectors, and associated installation processes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic unit generates its own electrical power for sensors and actuators through its operational movements, eliminating the need for external power sources and extensive wiring infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric connections are installed in the hydraulic unit, then the functionality is maintained, but the system becomes more complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connections are completely extracted from the hydraulic unit's internal structure. Instead of installing wires and connectors within the hydraulic system, a magnetic coupling interface is used that allows wireless power and signal transmission through the housing wall.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling interface acts as an intermediary between the internal sensors/actuators and the external environment. This intermediary enables power and signal transmission without physical wire connections, simplifying the system architecture.
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 solution significantly reduces the number of electric connections, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances the robustness of hydraulic units by enabling wireless communication and power supply to sensors and actuators, thereby minimizing wiring and potential failure points.
Implementation Method 1
The electronically driveable actuator comprises a first electric conductive coil for creating electro-magnetic forces with which the adjustment element can be positioned
Implementation Method 2
an electric energy harvesting device with a second electric conductive coil is located adjacent to the first coil such that electric energy from power fluctuations in the first coil can be harvested inductively
Data Source
AI summary
Variable displacement hydraulic unit comprising a displacement unit for setting/adjusting the position of an adjustment element in order to adjust the displacement volume of the hydraulic unit by means of an electronically driveable actuator. The actuator is electronically connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) and has a first electric conductive coil to position the adjustment element by the help of electro-magnetic forces. An electric energy harvesting device is located adjacent to the first coil of the actuator such that electric energy from power fluctuations in the first coil can be harvested inductively. The inductively harvested electric energy can be transmitted to an electric energy storage device.