Hydraulic Machine with Floating Cylinders and Adjustable Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic machines with multiple components and high hydraulic sealing zones result in larger dimensions and increased complexity, as seen in existing solutions like the one described in WO03/058035.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic machine design featuring a reduced number of components and hydraulic sealing zones, with a first rotor rotatable about a main axis and a second rotor inclined at an adjustable angle, utilizing a constant-velocity joint and an adjustment plate with a rotary actuator to optimize dimensions and sealing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rotors and cylinders are used to achieve hydraulic machine functionality, then the machine can operate as both pump and motor with adjustable displacement, but the overall dimensions and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidoverall dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pump and motor functions into a single integrated hydraulic machine structure. The first and second rotors with their respective pistons and cylinders are combined in one housing, sharing common structural elements and hydraulic pathways. This allows the machine to function as both pump and motor without requiring separate devices, thereby achieving operational versatility while controlling overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic machine is designed with universal functionality to operate in multiple modes (pump and motor) through a single structure. The adjustable inclination angle of the second rotor axis relative to the first rotor enables the machine to adapt its displacement and operational characteristics, providing multi-functionality without proportionally increasing the volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rotors and cylinders are used to achieve hydraulic machine functionality, then the machine can operate as both pump and motor with adjustable displacement, but the number of hydraulic sealing zones increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidnumber of hydraulic sealing zones
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple hydraulic circuits and sealing requirements into a unified structure. The housing integrates support surfaces for both rotors, common hydraulic pathways, and shared sealing zones where the pistons of the first and second rotors interact with the cylinders. This merging approach reduces the total number of discrete sealing zones compared to having completely separate pump and motor assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second rotor axis is fixed at an inclined angle, then the displacement is fixed, but the machine cannot be adjusted for different operational requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement stabilityVSAvoiddisplacement adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism for the second rotor axis inclination angle. The angle between the first rotor axis and second rotor axis can be varied within a range, allowing the displacement to be adjusted according to operational requirements. This dynamic capability is achieved through adjustable mounting arrangements or actuation mechanisms that modify the relative orientation of the rotors while maintaining stable operation at each selected angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The design achieves smaller overall dimensions and fewer components while maintaining efficient hydraulic sealing, allowing for flexible operation as both a pump and a motor with adjustable displacement.

Implementation Method 1

a first rotor (28) rotatable about a main axis (A) and a second rotor (30) rotatable about a secondary axis (B) inclined with respect to the main axis (A)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10400742B2Hydraulic machine with floating cylinders
Publication Date: 2019.09.03 MERLO GRP INNOVATION LAB SRL
  • US10400742B2 patent drawing
  • US10400742B2 patent drawing
  • US10400742B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydraulic machine comprising: an outer casing comprising a first front plate and a second front plate, a shaft rotatable about a main axis, a first rotor comprising a first rotor body rotatable with said shaft around said main axis, and a plurality of first pistons with respective spherical ring heads fixed to said first rotor body, a second rotor comprising a second rotor body and a plurality of second pistons with respective spherical ring heads, wherein the second rotor is rotatable about a secondary axis, inclined with respect to said main axis, a plurality of sleeves that are separate and independent from each other, each having a cylinder open at opposite ends and engaged on opposite sides by a first piston and by a second piston.