Internal Relief Valve for Hydraulic Actuator Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief systems for hydraulic actuators are bulky, prone to mechanical failure, and susceptible to tampering due to their external mounting, which can lead to damage from excessive pressure and limited space constraints.
Innovation Solution
An internal pressure relief valve system is integrated within the actuator housing, featuring a piston and a relief valve that automatically releases pressure from the actuator chambers when exceeding a predetermined maximum, preventing damage to the actuator and valve components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external pressure relief valve is mounted on the actuator, then pressure relief function is provided, but the actuator becomes bulky and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is integrated into the actuator housing, merging two separate components (actuator and relief valve) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for external mounting and reduces the overall space occupied by the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief valve mechanism is nested within the existing actuator housing structure. The valve components are positioned inside the actuator body, utilizing the internal space rather than adding external components, thereby maintaining a compact form factor.
2Reliability
If an external pressure relief valve is used, then pressure relief is achieved, but the system becomes more susceptible to mechanical failure and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the relief valve into the actuator housing, the system reduces the number of external connections and mounting points that could fail or be tampered with. The unified structure eliminates separate fluid lines and mounting interfaces that are vulnerable to mechanical failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief valve function is extracted from an external component and incorporated directly into the actuator's internal structure. This removes the vulnerability associated with external mounting and connections, protecting the system from tampering and external mechanical failures.
3Reliability
If an external pressure relief valve is mounted, then pressure relief capability is provided, but the system requires multiple fluid lines increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The relief valve is merged with the actuator housing, allowing it to share the same fluid chamber and pressure source. This integration eliminates the need for separate fluid lines to connect the external relief valve, reducing system complexity and the number of potential failure points.
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 internal pressure relief system effectively prevents over-pressurization, reducing the risk of damage to the actuator and valve components, enhancing reliability and usability in compact spaces by eliminating external components and mechanical failure risks.
Implementation Method 1
a relief valve that is coupled to the piston and operable to release pressure from the first chamber when the pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a pressure control system for an actuator is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure control system may include a housing defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and a piston disposed between the upper and lower chambers. A valve may be coupled to the piston that is operable to control fluid communication between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. In one embodiment, a method of controlling over-pressurization of an actuator includes supplying a fluid pressure to a first chamber of an actuator having a piston and actuating the piston using the fluid pressure. The method may further include relieving the fluid pressure from the first chamber through a valve that is coupled to the piston when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure.