Hydraulic Piston Position Sensing Without Cables in Fluid Applicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid delivery systems face challenges such as wear and tear on cables, risk of damage from solvents, and inability to detect piston position mid-stroke, which affects the accuracy and reliability of fluid application.
Innovation Solution
A liquid delivery system that includes a hydraulic cylinder with a movable piston, a rod connected to the piston, and a sensor device outside the cylinder to sense the piston position and generate a signal. The system also enables wireless charging and communication between the sensor and controller, allowing for real-time monitoring of piston speed, direction, and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are used to charge limit position sensors and communicate with controllers, then power and data transmission are achieved, but wear and tear occurs and cables are at risk of damage from solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless communication technology. Sensors and controllers communicate data wirelessly, eliminating physical cables that are susceptible to wear and solvent damage. This substitution removes the harmful interaction between cables and the chemical environment while maintaining full communication functionality.
2Measurement precision
If traditional limit sensors are used, then piston position detection is achieved, but only at the ends of the stroke, not mid-stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous, dynamic monitoring of piston position throughout the entire stroke using wireless sensors that track position at all points, not just at static end limits. This dynamic measurement approach provides real-time position data mid-stroke, enabling precise control and diagnostics without requiring complex mechanical sensor arrangements.
3Reliability
If wireless charging and communication are implemented, then cable damage risk is eliminated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-charging capability where the sensors harvest energy from the system's electromagnetic fields or motion to power their wireless communication functions. This self-service energy generation eliminates the need for external power cables while maintaining reliable operation, and the energy consumption is minimized through efficient harvesting and low-power communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid delivery system includes a source of hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic cylinder fluidically coupled to the source of hydraulic fluid and having a hydraulic piston movable between first and second limit positions. The liquid deliver system includes a rod connected to the piston and extending out of the hydraulic cylinder and a sensor device located outside the hydraulic cylinder and configured to sense a position of the rod and to generate a signal indicating the sensed position. The liquid delivery system includes a liquid cylinder comprising a liquid piston, operably driven by the rod, to pump a liquid along a flow path to a fluid applicator.