Hydraulic Motor and MRF Brake Layout for Low-Density Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic fluid systems using magneto-rheological (MR) fluid are limited by the high density and ferromagnetic particles, which are not compatible with aerospace applications requiring fluid recirculation without solid phase particles and low fluid density.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic fluid system incorporating a magneto-rheological fluid brake (MRF) with a reduction gear box and hydraulic motor, where the MRF brake is controlled by a controller to manage braking torque and fluid flow, and the system includes separate housings for the motor and brake to optimize fluid flow and pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If magneto-rheological fluid is used to manipulate fluid pressure relationship, then braking torque control is improved, but fluid density increases and solid phase particles are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the MR fluid brake from the main hydraulic fluid circulation system. The MR fluid is contained within the brake assembly, while the main hydraulic fluid circulates separately through the motor and heat exchanger. This segmentation allows the high-density MR fluid to be isolated from the recirculation loop, resolving the contradiction between utilizing MR fluid for torque control and maintaining low density for recirculation compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the MR fluid function into a separate brake component rather than using it as the main hydraulic fluid. The MR fluid brake is taken out as an independent subsystem that provides braking torque without requiring the main hydraulic fluid to have high density or contain ferromagnetic particles, thus enabling both effective torque control and fluid recirculation
2Force
If reduction gear box is added between hydraulic motor and MRF brake, then torque-to-weight ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction gear box is merged with the MR fluid brake assembly into a single integrated unit. The gear box housing and brake housing are combined, with the reduction shaft from the gear box directly driving the brake rotor. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the torque multiplication benefit of the reduction gear box
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 system effectively controls hydraulic fluid flow and pressure, allowing for adjustable braking torque and reduced weight of the MRF brake, enhancing performance and compatibility with aerospace applications by utilizing a higher torque-to-weight ratio and reducing the size of the MRF brake.
Implementation Method 1
magneto-rheological fluid brake (MRF) brake
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic fluid system is disclosed herein. The hydraulic fluid system includes a hydraulic motor including an output shaft, a reduction gear box having a first side and an opposing second side, the reduction gear box being coupled to the output shaft at the first side and coupled to a reduction shaft at the second side, and a magneto-rheological fluid brake (MRF) brake coupled to the reduction shaft.