Piezoelectric Servo Valve Actuator for Precise Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing servo valves lack precise control over fluid flow due to limitations in the deflection mechanism, particularly in using electric motors and flappers, which result in reduced accuracy and flexibility in actuator movement control.
Innovation Solution
The use of piezoelectric actuators that can independently expand or contract along nozzle axes to fully open, fully close, or partially restrict fluid flow paths, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through the servo valve by varying the gap between the actuators and nozzles, enabling finer adjustments and more accurate actuator movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electric motors and flappers are used for deflection, then the servo valve can control fluid flow, but the accuracy and flexibility in actuator movement control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electric motor and flapper mechanical deflection system with a piezoelectric actuator that directly deflects the nozzle. This substitution eliminates the intermediate mechanical components (motor, flapper, linkages) and achieves more precise control through direct piezoelectric deformation, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electric motor and flapper components from the deflection mechanism, retaining only the essential nozzle-deflection function. By taking out the unnecessary mechanical intermediaries, the system achieves more accurate control with simpler structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If piezoelectric actuators are used to control fluid flow, then precision and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple independent piezoelectric actuators (first and second piezoelectric actuators) that can be independently controlled. Each actuator controls a specific nozzle, allowing independent adjustment of fluid flow paths. This segmentation provides greater adaptability and flexibility in controlling actuator movement while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
3Device complexity
If the deflection mechanism is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over fluid flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical deflection mechanisms with piezoelectric actuators that provide precise control through direct electrical-to-mechanical conversion. This substitution simplifies the overall mechanism structure by eliminating multiple mechanical components while simultaneously improving manufacturing precision through the inherent precision of piezoelectric material deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the ability of piezoelectric materials to change their physical dimensions (expand or contract) in response to electrical signals. By changing the electrical parameters (voltage applied to piezoelectric actuators), the system achieves precise control of nozzle deflection and fluid flow without complex mechanical adjustments, thereby improving manufacturing precision while simplifying the mechanism
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 configuration provides a more compact, sensitive, and accurate servo valve system capable of making precise adjustments, reducing weight and complexity, and allowing for flexible nozzle positioning, enhancing the control over fluid bias and actuator movement.
Implementation Method 1
first and second piezoelectric actuators, each comprising a piezoelectric element... in response to an applied voltage, the piezoelectric element undergoes a change in dimension
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A servo valve (10) comprising first and second nozzles (12a, 12b) and first and second piezoelectric actuators (14a, 14b) arranged to control fluid flow through the first and second nozzles (12a, 12b) respectively. A first fluid flow path is defined between the first nozzle (12a) and the first piezoelectric actuator (14a) and a second fluid flow path is defined between the second nozzle (12b) and the second piezoelectric actuator (14b). The first and second piezoelectric actuators (14a, 14b) are arranged such that applying a voltage to the first and second piezoelectric actuators (14a, 14b) causes a change in dimension thereof, which acts to open or restrict said first and second fluid flow paths respectively.