Hydromechanical Power Amplifier With Rack-Pinion Torque Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical and hydromechanical systems face challenges in achieving sufficient speed of rotation and torque at the load output, particularly with low-power electric motors and high-inertia alternators, limiting the nominal operation of moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A hydromechanical assembly comprising an input motor, a hydraulic pump, a distributor, interconnected double-acting hydraulic jacks, a rack and pinion system, a reduction stage, and an alternator, where the rack and pinion system ensures rotational movement in a single direction, and the reduction stage multiplies rotational speed to amplify mechanical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a low-power electric motor is used to drive a high-inertia alternator, then the system structure is simple, but the output power is insufficient to achieve the required rotational speed and torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic amplifier system where a hydraulic pump converts mechanical energy from the motor into hydraulic energy, which then actuates hydraulic cylinders to produce amplified mechanical output. This hydraulic transmission mechanism enables a low-power motor to drive a high-inertia alternator by multiplying both torque and rotational speed through the hydraulic amplification process
Solution Approach 2:
The power amplification system is divided into distinct functional modules: a hydraulic pump unit, a distributor unit, hydraulic cylinder units, and a reduction stage. Each module performs a specific function in the power amplification chain, allowing the system to achieve complex power multiplication through coordinated operation of simpler subsystems
2Speed
If the rotational speed of the output shaft is increased to drive the alternator, then the alternator can operate nominally, but the torque may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including hydraulic pressure, flow rate, and cylinder piston area to independently control both torque and rotational speed outputs. The reduction stage further modifies these parameters by providing a gear ratio that multiplies rotational speed while maintaining adequate torque levels for alternator operation
3Power
If a hydraulic amplifier system is implemented to multiply power, then the required speed and torque are achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic distributor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it directs hydraulic fluid to appropriate cylinders, controls the timing of power transmission, and coordinates the operation of multiple hydraulic actuators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the power amplification requirements
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 solution effectively amplifies mechanical power, enabling the necessary speed and torque for nominal operation of moving parts, such as a rotor of an electric generator, by ensuring consistent rotational direction and multiplying rotational speed through the reduction stage.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (20) driven by the motor (10)
Implementation Method 2
a first cylinder (40a), a second cylinder (40b), the two cylinders (40a, 40b) being communicating and arranged in parallel
Implementation Method 3
an alternating rack and pinion system (50) for transmitting the movement of the cylinders
Implementation Method 4
a reduction stage (60) for multiplying the rotational speed at the output of said alternating rack and pinion system (50)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed is a mechanical power amplifier assembly (100) characterised in that it comprises a motor (10) at the input, a pump (20) actuated by the motor, a distributor (30) supplied by the pump, a first cylinder (40a), a second cylinder (40b), the cylinders being connected to the distributor, a rack-and-pinion system (50), a reduction stage (60), and an alternator (90) at the output. The assembly allows the speed of rotation and/or the torque to be multiplied between its input and its output, the rack-and-pinion system (50) comprising a first rack (51a) secured to the rod of the first cylinder (40a), a second rack (51b) secured to the rod of the second cylinder (40b), a first pinion (52a) cooperating with the first rack, a second pinion (52b) cooperating with the second rack, and a transmission shaft (55) coupled to each of the pinions in a single direction of rotation S, the other direction of rotation being freewheeling.