Integrated Low-Profile Electro-Hydrostatic Actuator Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-hydrostatic actuator systems for aircraft are bulky, heavy, and costly due to their component-based design, requiring assembly and plumbing, which limits their durability and efficiency in hydraulic operations.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile electro-hydrostatic actuator is developed with an integrated design that includes a piston assembly, hydraulic cylinder, reservoir, electric motor, and bi-directional pump system, featuring a thermal management layer and a flow control network to manage hydraulic fluid flow efficiently, eliminating the need for separate components and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a component-based EHA system is used, then the actuator can perform hydraulic operations, but the system becomes bulky in size and heavy in weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electric motor, hydraulic pump, reservoir, and control valves into a single compact housing, eliminating the need for separate component mounting and plumbing. This merging of components directly reduces the overall weight and footprint of the actuator system while maintaining full hydraulic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows a single housing to perform multiple functions: the electric motor drives the hydraulic pump, the housing serves as both structural support and fluid containment, and integrated valves provide flow control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall system weight.
2Reliability
If a component-based EHA system is used, then the actuator can perform hydraulic operations, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components into a single integrated housing, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality inspections required. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces overall production costs while maintaining hydraulic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing is designed as a single manufacturable unit that can be produced using modern manufacturing techniques such as injection molding or metal forming. This segmentation approach allows for efficient mass production and reduces per-unit manufacturing costs compared to assembling multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If a component-based EHA system is used, then the actuator can perform hydraulic operations, but assembly and plumbing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all hydraulic components including the pump, reservoir, and control valves within a single housing, eliminating the need for external plumbing and complex assembly procedures. This integration dramatically simplifies installation and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining full hydraulic functionality.
4Reliability
If traditional EHA design is used, then the actuator can operate hydraulically, but the profile size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the hydraulic pump, reservoir, and control valves are positioned within or around each other in a compact configuration. This nesting approach minimizes the overall profile and footprint of the actuator while maintaining all necessary hydraulic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design optimizes component arrangement in three-dimensional space, utilizing vertical stacking and radial positioning to reduce the horizontal footprint. By reorganizing components along different spatial dimensions, the patent achieves a compact profile without compromising hydraulic operation capability.
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 integrated design reduces weight and cost while improving durability and efficiency by self-containing all necessary components, enabling prolonged hydraulic operation and effective thermal management, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor located adjacent to and operatively coupled to the hydraulic pump system for driving the hydraulic pump system
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pump system for moving hydraulic fluid in the reservoir and the hydraulic fluid chamber region
Implementation Method 3
featuring a thermal management layer
Implementation Method 4
effective thermal management
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, certain examples of the present disclosure provide an electro-hydrostatic actuator comprising a piston assembly (20) and a hydraulic cylinder (30,210). The piston assembly, having a piston head (26) and a piston rod (22) extending from the piston head, is located and movable within the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder includes a hydraulic fluid chamber region (28) including a piston side chamber (32) and a rod side chamber (34), a reservoir (36) for storing hydraulic fluid located within the hydraulic cylinder which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid chamber region. The electro-hydrostatic actuator includes a hydraulic pump system (40) for moving hydraulic fluid in the reservoir and the hydraulic fluid chamber region, the hydraulic pump system in fluid communication with a flow control network (38) in a hydraulic cylinder boss (211) for controlling a direction and flow magnitude of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid chamber region, and an electric motor (50) for driving the hydraulic pump system.