Rapid Hydraulic Pressure Modulation for Efficient Robotic Force Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current exoskeleton and humanoid robotic systems face challenges in providing high force outputs for prolonged periods due to power inefficiencies, leading to wasted energy and heat generation, as they typically maintain high hydraulic pressures that exceed actual demands.
Innovation Solution
A rapidly modulated hydraulic supply system that dynamically varies pressure and flow rate to match the instantaneous demands of the robotic system, using a variable geometry piston mechanism with a coupling system to optimize pressure and flow, reducing power requirements and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high hydraulic pressure is maintained to meet peak demands, then force output capability is improved, but energy waste and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic supply system dynamically adjusts pressure in real-time to match the instantaneous force demands of the robotic system. The pressure modulation system varies hydraulic pressure between minimum and maximum levels based on actual operational requirements, replacing static high-pressure maintenance with dynamic pressure adaptation. This resolves the contradiction by providing high force output capability only when needed while minimizing energy waste during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the hydraulic fluid dynamically rather than maintaining a constant high pressure. By modulating the pressure parameter according to the robotic system's instantaneous demands, the invention achieves high force output capability when required while significantly reducing energy waste and heat generation during periods of lower demand.
2Force
If high hydraulic pressure is maintained continuously, then force output capability is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pressure modulation system adjusts hydraulic pressure in real-time according to actual force requirements, maintaining high pressure only when high force output is needed. This dynamic approach prevents continuous heat generation associated with maintaining constant high pressure, thereby resolving the contradiction between force capability and heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of excessive heat generation into a benefit by using demand-based pressure modulation. By applying high pressure only when actually needed and reducing pressure during normal operation, the system eliminates unnecessary heat generation while maintaining the capability to deliver high force outputs when required.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply is reduced for portability, then energy efficiency is improved, but force output capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rapidly modulated hydraulic supply enables the system to operate efficiently at lower average power levels while maintaining the capability to deliver high force outputs when needed. By dynamically adjusting pressure to match actual demands, the system achieves superior energy efficiency compared to continuous high-pressure operation, while preserving peak force capability through on-demand pressure modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically to optimize the balance between energy efficiency and force output capability. By modulating pressure according to instantaneous demands rather than maintaining constant high pressure, the invention achieves improved energy efficiency while preserving the ability to deliver high force outputs when required.
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 enhances the efficiency and endurance of robotic systems by minimizing power waste and heat generation, allowing for sustained high force outputs while reducing power requirements and optimizing hydraulic pressure to match operational demands.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber for receiving fluid; a displacement member operable to displace the fluid from the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a flow modulation system operable to vary the flow rate of the fluid output from the chamber, wherein a first flow rate corresponds to a first output pressure, and is different from a second flow rate corresponding to a second output pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
A rapidly modulated hydraulic supply is disclosed. The rapidly modulated hydraulic supply can include a chamber for receiving fluid. The rapidly modulated hydraulic supply can also include a displacement member operable to displace the fluid from the chamber. In addition, the rapidly modulated hydraulic supply can include a flow modulation system operable to vary the flow rate of the fluid output from the chamber. A first flow rate corresponds to a first output pressure, and is different from a second flow rate corresponding to a second output pressure for a like movement of the displacement member.