Integrated Hydraulic Pump Cylinder for Compact Valve Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic axes for valve drives in gas and steam turbine systems are bulky and require significant space and weight, limiting their compactness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A compact hydraulic axis with a synchronous differential-type double-rod cylinder integrated pump, where the pump is housed within the cylinder, eliminating the need for a separate pump housing and allowing for efficient energy use and reduced component count, optimized for space and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional separate pump and cylinder components are used, then the system is easier to manufacture and maintain, but the overall weight and installation space increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcomponent integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pump and cylinder into a single integrated unit where the pump is mounted directly on the cylinder housing. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall installation space and weight while maintaining the functional independence of each component for ease of manufacture and maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylinder housing serves multiple functions: it contains the cylinder mechanism and simultaneously provides mounting structure for the pump. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate housings and supports, thereby reducing installation space without compromising manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If a differential-type double-rod cylinder is used, then the axial length is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial lengthVSAvoidcylinder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The differential-type double-rod cylinder employs asymmetric rod lengths where one piston rod is longer than the other, allowing the piston to be positioned off-center. This asymmetric design reduces the overall axial length of the cylinder while the standardized asymmetric configuration keeps structural complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If pump is integrated into cylinder cavity, then housing and piping components are eliminated, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated unit is designed with modular segmentation where the pump can be mounted as a separate module on the cylinder housing. This segmentation allows the pump and cylinder to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together, reducing overall component count while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enables a self-sufficient, space-efficient valve drive with minimal flow loss and deflection, combining the advantages of electric and hydraulic drives, and reduces the number of components needed, enhancing performance and installation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The pump (40) can be used to convey a pressure medium from the first cylinder chamber (28) into the second cylinder chamber (30), in order to actuate the piston (14) with the piston rod (20) axially

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3175123B1Hydraulic actuator system
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3175123B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3175123B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3175123B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a compact hydraulic spindle having a cylinder. Inside said cylinder, a pump for controlling the cylinder is mounted. The pump is provided in a cavity of the cylinder. The cylinder is designed as a differential-type double rod cylinder.