Micro-Gap Hydraulic Valve for Low-Friction Robot Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic valves for robotic systems require significant power and external couplings, which can be unsightly, increase the robot's size, and pose hazards in restricted spaces, while also introducing friction through elastomer seals that raise actuation force and reduce precision.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hydraulic valve with a fluid switch and micro-gaps filled with hydraulic fluid, eliminating the need for elastomer seals and reducing friction, allowing for compact, high-precision operation within robotic systems by using micro-gaps as hydrostatic bearings to support the fluid switch, thereby reducing power requirements and enhancing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomer seals are used in conventional hydraulic valves, then sealing is achieved, but friction increases and actuation precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes elastomer seals from the hydraulic valve system and replaces them with a fluid bearing mechanism using micro-gaps filled with hydraulic fluid. This extraction eliminates the friction source while maintaining sealing through hydrodynamic pressure in the micro-gaps, thereby improving actuation precision without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic fluid within micro-gaps to create a fluid bearing that supports the fluid switch. The hydraulic fluid provides both sealing and low-friction support through hydrodynamic pressure, replacing the elastomer seal function while enabling precise, low-power actuation of the valve
2Adaptability or versatility
If external couplings are added to hydraulic valves, then connectivity is improved, but robot size increases and hazards are introduced in restricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hydraulic valve directly into the robotic system architecture, merging the valve housing with the robot's structural components. This integration eliminates separate external couplings while maintaining all necessary hydraulic connections, reducing overall system volume and removing hazard points in restricted spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The valve housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the hydraulic fluid bearing mechanism, and integrates connection points for hydraulic lines. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external couplings, reducing robot size while maintaining full connectivity
3Power
If conventional hydraulic valves are used, then power transmission is achieved, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic fluid within micro-gaps to create a fluid bearing that supports the fluid switch with minimal friction. This hydraulic support mechanism enables powerful actuation while consuming very little power, as the fluid bearing eliminates the need for high-force mechanical seals and reduces the actuation force required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sealing systems (elastomer seals with high friction) with a hydraulic fluid bearing system. This substitution reduces the force required to actuate the valve, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining the ability to transmit high hydraulic power
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 solution results in a more compact, efficient, and precise hydraulic valve that reduces power consumption and minimizes external couplings, enabling robots to operate effectively in restricted spaces with improved precision and reduced risk of damage or snagging.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid bearing arranged in the chamber to support movement of the fluid switch. The fluid bearing includes a first micro-gap separating the first inner surface from the first external surface, a second micro-gap separating the second inner surface from the second external surface, and a hydraulic fluid disposed in the first micro-gap and the second micro-gap
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic valve includes two ports, a chamber within the valve housing which, in operation, is at least partially filled with a hydraulic fluid, and a fluid switch within the chamber. The fluid switch is movable between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, the ports are fluidly coupled to each other. In the second position, the ports are fluidly isolated from each other. An external surface of the fluid switch is separated from an internal surface of the chamber by a first micro-gap. Another external surface of the fluid switch is separated from another internal surface of the chamber by a second micro-gap. The first micro-gap and the second micro-gap are fluidly coupled to the chamber, and each have a respective size of less than about five micrometers.