Integrated Linear Actuator Pump Assembly for Precise Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear actuator systems are complex, large, and prone to damage in harsh environments due to separate components and reliance on multiple parts like hydraulic cylinders, 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 use a variable-speed or variable-torque pump to control fluid flow and pressure without additional flow control devices, featuring a prime mover and fluid displacement assembly for precise control and reduced component exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (hydraulic cylinder, pump, motor, valves) are used in conventional linear actuator systems, then the system can provide basic linear actuation functionality, but the system becomes complex, large in size, and prone to damage in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic pump, motor, and valve assemblies into a single integrated linear actuator unit. The pump assembly is directly coupled to the linear actuator, eliminating the need for separate external components and interconnecting hoses. This integration reduces system complexity and improves reliability by minimizing the number of potential failure points in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates hydraulic pressure, controls fluid flow direction through integrated valves, and provides compact housing that protects internal components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining full actuation capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used with connecting shafts, hoses, and fittings, then the system can be assembled from standard parts, but the components become susceptible to damage or degradation in harsh working environments
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the pump, motor, and valve assemblies into a single sealed unit, the patent eliminates external hoses and fittings that are susceptible to environmental damage. The integrated housing protects all internal components from harsh working conditions including contamination, extreme temperatures, and physical damage.
3Speed
If the motor and hydraulic pump are run at high speed to provide pressurized fluid, then the system can achieve rapid actuation, but temperature builds up in the hydraulic fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control system monitors system conditions and adjusts pump operation to prevent excessive temperature buildup. The controller manages motor speed and pump operation to achieve required actuation speeds while maintaining fluid temperature within acceptable ranges, preventing thermal degradation of hydraulic fluid.
4Ease of operation
If a variable-speed or variable-torque pump is used to control flow and pressure, then precise control can be achieved without additional flow control devices, but the system requires sophisticated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable-speed or variable-torque pump that directly adjusts flow and pressure parameters through motor control. This eliminates the need for additional mechanical flow control devices while achieving precise control. The controller modifies motor operating parameters (speed, torque) to precisely regulate hydraulic output without adding mechanical complexity.
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 fluid flow and pressure in a compact configuration, reducing the risk of cavitation and high fluid temperatures, enhancing reliability and reducing machine downtime by integrating components and minimizing external exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a pump assembly having a pump and two valve assemblies to provide hydraulic fluid to a linear hydraulic actuator
Implementation Method 2
a variable-speed and/or a variable-torque pump... The controller controls a speed and/or a torque of the at least one prime mover so as to exclusively adjust a flow and/or a pressure in the fluid system
Implementation Method 3
the motor drives the hydraulic pump to provide pressurized fluid from the fluid reservoir to the hydraulic cylinder... which in turn causes the piston rod of the cylinder to move within the body of the cylinder
Data Source
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.