Hydraulic Fluid Distribution via Shared Motor and Rotary Distributors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling fluid flow in hydraulic circuits, such as vehicle cooling circuits, are complex and lack simplicity, requiring multiple actuators and valves, and there is a need for a more straightforward system that can manage various fluids effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a motor, such as a brushless motor, to actuate multiple distributors through gear trains with engaging/disengaging mechanisms, allowing independent control of fluid flow with fewer components, and incorporating position sensors and electronic control for efficient fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motorized actuators and On/Off valves are used to control fluid flow, then the fluid distribution control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single motor is designed to actuate multiple distributors through a gear train mechanism, allowing one actuator to perform multiple functions. The motor controls several distributors sequentially or simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple independent actuators while maintaining full fluid distribution control capability across all distributors.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple distributors and their actuation mechanisms are merged into a single integrated system. The gear train combines the motion from one motor and distributes it to multiple distributors, consolidating what would otherwise require separate actuator assemblies into a unified mechanical structure.
2Measurement precision
If independent regulation modules with actuators are used for each distributor, then the control precision of each distributor is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor serves multiple distributors through the gear train, with each distributor receiving controlled motion from the shared actuator. Position sensors on each distributor provide feedback to maintain precise control, while the universal motor-gear train assembly reduces overall system complexity compared to independent modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Position sensors are incorporated on each distributor to provide feedback about their rotational position. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of each distributor's position and flow distribution, ensuring measurement precision is maintained even though a single motor actuates multiple distributors.
3Device complexity
If a single motor actuates multiple distributors through gear trains, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for independent distributor control may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Position sensors on each distributor provide real-time feedback to the control system, enabling independent control of each distributor through electronic signals. The feedback mechanism allows the system to know the position of each distributor and adjust the motor's gear train actuation accordingly, maintaining ease of independent control despite the mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical gear train system is complemented by electronic control mechanisms. Instead of relying solely on mechanical linkages for independent control, electronic signals based on sensor feedback enable precise control of each distributor's position and operation, replacing complex mechanical control interfaces with simpler electronic actuation.
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 simplifies fluid control in hydraulic circuits by using a single motor to actuate multiple distributors, reducing complexity and enabling flexible distribution of various fluids, including water, oil, or gases, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, for example a motor, for example a brushless motor or a stepper motor
Implementation Method 2
one or more (d) gear trains, each train ensuring the transmission of the movement of the motor to one of the distributors
Implementation Method 3
each distributor (Di) may include or be associated with a position sensor (C1-Cd)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the distribution of a fluid in a hydraulic circuit, including:-a motor; a plurality of d rotary distributors of the fluid, each distributor including a body, rotating in a plane, said body including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the sum of the number of inlets and the number of outlets being greater than or equal to 3, a mechanical output axis of each distributor extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane; a plurality of d gear trains, each train ensuring the transmission of the movement of the motor to one of the rotary distributors, called associated rotary distributor, each gear train, including an actuator, for engaging or disengaging the associated rotary distributor, relative to the gear train, the actuator moving along the axis defined by the mechanical output axis of the distributor.