Integrated Linear Actuator Pump Assembly for Precise Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems for linear actuators are complex, large, and prone to damage in harsh environments due to the separation of components and reliance on multiple parts like pumps, motors, and valves, leading to increased machine downtime and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A compact and reliable linear actuator system with an integrated hydraulic pump assembly and valve assemblies that adjust flow and pressure without additional flow control devices, using variable-speed and variable-torque pumps to control the system, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing the risk of cavitation and high fluid temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydraulic systems use separate components (pump, motor, valves, hoses), then the system can be assembled with standard parts, but the system becomes complex, large, and prone to damage in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump, motor, valve assemblies, and fluid reservoir into a single unified housing, eliminating the need for separate components connected by hoses and pipes. This merging of components directly reduces system complexity while improving reliability by removing multiple potential failure points in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump assembly performs multiple functions within a single component structure: the pump provides fluid pressurization, the valve assemblies control flow direction and pressure, and the housing contains all components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining full hydraulic functionality.
2Productivity
If motor and hydraulic pump are run at high speed to provide pressurized fluid, then the system can meet high demand requirements, but temperature builds up in the hydraulic fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling system as an intermediary component that actively manages heat generation. The cooling system includes cooling fins or a heat exchanger integrated into the housing that dissipates heat from the motor and pump, allowing high-speed operation to maintain productivity while preventing excessive fluid temperature buildup.
3Ease of operation
If multiple flow control devices and valves are used to control hydraulic flow, then precise flow control is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assemblies are integrated directly into the pump housing, allowing a single component to perform both flow control and directional control functions. This eliminates the need for separate external flow control devices and valves, reducing component count while maintaining precise control capability through the multi-functional valve design.
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 provides precise control of hydraulic fluid flow and pressure in a compact configuration, enhancing reliability and reducing downtime by integrating essential components and eliminating the need for external flow control devices, thus improving the overall performance and durability in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pump assembly includes a pump with a fluid driver including a prime mover and a fluid displacement assembly to be driven by the prime mover such that fluid is transferred from a first port of the pump to a second port of the pump
Implementation Method 2
using variable-speed and variable-torque pumps to control the system, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing the risk of cavitation and high fluid temperatures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
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AI summary
A linear actuator system includes a linear actuator and at least one integrated pump assembly connected to the linear actuator to provide fluid to operate the linear actuator. The integrated pump assembly includes a pump with at least one fluid driver comprising a prime mover and a fluid displacement assembly to be driven by the prime mover such that fluid is transferred from a first port of the pump to a second port of the pump. The pump assembly also includes two valve assembles to isolate the pump from the system. The linear actuator system also includes a controller that establishes at least one of a speed and a torque of the at least one prime mover to exclusively adjust at least one of a flow and a pressure in the linear actuator system to an operational set point.