Hydraulic Actuator with Magnetic Piston Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic systems face inefficiencies in fluid management and control, particularly when dealing with variable loads and obstructions, as they rely on constant pump speed and lack precise control over fluid pressure and movement.

Innovation Solution

The hydraulic actuator system employs a magnetic field generated by wire windings to move a magnet within a hollow tube, creating a motional electromotive force that controls the movement of a piston to precisely manage hydraulic fluid flow, allowing for variable speed and direction control, and includes an electronic control circuit to manage current through the windings for precise positioning and compliance with obstructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a constant speed hydraulic pump is used, then the system structure is simple, but the control precision of fluid pressure and movement is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidcontrol precision of fluid pressure and movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical constant-speed pump system with an electromagnetic actuator system that uses electronic control to drive the piston. The electromagnetic actuator includes a coil assembly that generates magnetic fields to precisely control piston movement, enabling variable speed operation and precise control of hydraulic fluid pressure and flow without requiring a complex variable-speed mechanical pump

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the hydraulic system by using an electromagnetic actuator that can dynamically adjust the piston position, speed, and direction. This allows the system to vary fluid pressure and flow rate on-demand, transforming the system from fixed-parameter operation to variable-parameter control through electronic regulation of electromagnetic force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a constant speed hydraulic pump is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the efficiency in handling variable loads is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidefficiency in handling variable loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to the hydraulic system by using an electromagnetic actuator that can automatically adjust its operation based on load conditions. The coil assembly responds to electrical signals to dynamically change piston speed and position, enabling the system to adapt to variable loads efficiently while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through the electromagnetic actuator system, where the position and movement of the piston are controlled by electrical signals that can be adjusted based on system requirements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize performance for variable loads while maintaining simple operation through electronic regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If conventional hydraulic systems are used, then the fluid management is simple, but the compliance with obstructions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid management complexityVSAvoidcompliance with obstructions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical hydraulic control with an electromagnetic actuator system that provides superior compliance with obstructions. The electromagnetic coil assembly can detect and respond to resistance forces by adjusting the magnetic field strength, enabling the piston to smoothly comply with obstructions while maintaining simple fluid management through electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables efficient and precise control of hydraulic fluid flow, allowing for flexible movement of loads and compliance with obstructions, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of hydraulic systems, particularly in applications like robotic joints.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generated by wire windings to move a magnet within a hollow tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

creating a motional electromotive force that controls the movement of a piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotional electromotive force: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10539164B2Hydraulic acuator

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 SIMMONS WILLIAM DAVIS

AI summary

A hydraulic actuator includes a hollow tube that has a first opening at a first end of the hollow tube and that has a second opening at a second end of the hollow tube. The hollow tube contains hydraulic fluid. A moveable magnet moves within hollow tube as a result of a magnetic field within the hollow tube. A magnetic field source located outside the hollow tube creates the magnetic field within the hollow tube. When the moveable magnet moves to the first end of the hollow tube, a first piston pushes hydraulic fluid out of the first opening. When the moveable magnet moves to the second end of the hollow tube a second piston pushes hydraulic fluid out of the second opening.