Modular Electrohydraulic Actuator for Fast EHA Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydraulic actuators (EHAs) require long lead times for customization and configuration due to the need for specific hydraulic cylinder and electric motor combinations, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular EHA assembly with a hydraulic cylinder that accommodates different piston/cylinder combinations and includes an interior reservoir with closed-cell foam for volume compensation, along with piloted check valves and a linear potentiometer for precise position feedback, allowing for customizable performance characteristics without reengineering the entire unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EHAs are customized for specific applications with specific hydraulic cylinder and electric motor combinations, then performance characteristics are optimized, but lead times for configuration, testing and delivery are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The EHA system is divided into separable modules: a standardized housing assembly and interchangeable core components (hydraulic cylinders and electric motors). This segmentation allows the housing to remain constant while core components are swapped based on application requirements, enabling customization without complete reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized housing assembly is designed to accommodate multiple different core component combinations. A single universal housing can support various hydraulic cylinder sizes, stroke lengths, and electric motor specifications, allowing one housing design to serve multiple application scenarios.
2Device complexity
If EHAs are made self-contained with integrated components, then redundancy of hydraulic lines is eliminated, but customization for specific applications becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The self-contained EHA is segmented into a standardized housing that integrates common components (pump, control valves, reservoir) with interchangeable core components. This segmentation maintains the self-contained advantage while allowing easy customization of the core components to match specific application needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The housing provides a stable integrated platform, while the interchangeable core components allow the system to adapt dynamically to different application requirements without compromising the self-contained architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard housing designs are used across different EHA applications, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to different stroke lengths and force requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized housing is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple core component configurations. The housing includes standardized mounting interfaces and internal features that work with various hydraulic cylinder sizes, stroke lengths, and motor combinations, enabling a single housing design to serve multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the housing (standardized) from the core components (customizable), the system achieves both manufacturing efficiency through standardized housing production and adaptability through interchangeable core components. The segmentation allows independent optimization of both aspects.
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 modular design enables quick customization and adaptation to various applications, reducing lead times and enhancing the EHA's ability to handle different load conditions and stroke lengths while maintaining a consistent form factor, thus improving efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The annular chamber is at least partially filled with a closed-cell foam material that is configured to compress to accommodate excess hydraulic fluid during piston rod retraction. When compressed, the closed-cell foam applies a restoring pressure to the hydraulic fluid to urge the hydraulic fluid out of the annular reservoir during rod extension.
Implementation Method 2
The closed-cell foam applies a restoring pressure to the hydraulic fluid to urge the hydraulic fluid out of the annular reservoir during rod extension
Implementation Method 3
An electric motor driving a hydraulic pump is used for supplying the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder
Implementation Method 4
An electric motor driving a hydraulic pump is used for supplying the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electrohydraulic actuator including an electric motor, a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor, and a hydraulic actuator in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder supporting a pressure sleeve in which a piston and rod is adapted for reciprocating motion in response to a supply of pressurized fluid to a first side or a second side of the piston, wherein at least one of the electric motor, hydraulic pump, hydraulic cylinder, piston, piston rod or the pressure sleeve supported in the hydraulic cylinder is selectively removable and replaceable with a different component to vary at least one performance characteristic of the electrohydraulic actuator.