Piezoelectric Hydraulic Stage for Compact Reliable Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic hydraulic valves in the aeronautical industry are bulky, heavy, and prone to failures due to their reliance on solenoids, which increases costs and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic stage utilizing piezoelectric elements to control fluid flow by deforming in response to an applied potential difference, eliminating the need for solenoids and reducing the number of components, weight, and volume, while allowing for precise control of fluid pressure and movement of hydraulic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If solenoids are used to control fluid flow in hydraulic valves, then the valve can be actuated electrically, but the valve becomes bulky, heavy, and vulnerable to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid-based electromagnetic actuation system with a piezoelectric actuation system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals directly into mechanical deformation to control the flapper valve, eliminating the need for bulky solenoids and improving reliability while maintaining electrical actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from electromagnetic (solenoid) to piezoelectric, fundamentally altering the physical principle used to convert electrical signals into mechanical motion. This parameter change enables more compact and reliable valve design while preserving the fly-by-wire control functionality.
2Extent of automation
If solenoids are used to control fluid flow, then electrical control is achieved, but the valve volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the bulky solenoid mechanism with a compact piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element requires significantly less space to achieve the same actuation function, thereby reducing the overall valve volume while maintaining electrical control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element can be designed as a thin film or compact component that deforms to control fluid flow, replacing the larger mechanical solenoid structure. This enables miniaturization of the valve while preserving its control functionality.
3Extent of automation
If solenoids are used in hydraulic valves, then electrical actuation is possible, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy solenoid assembly with a lightweight piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric material converts electrical energy directly into mechanical deformation without requiring the massive electromagnetic coils and magnetic circuits of a solenoid, significantly reducing valve weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation physics from electromagnetic to piezoelectric, enabling a drastic reduction in the mass required to achieve electrical actuation. This parameter change is critical for weight-sensitive applications such as aircraft flight control systems.
4Ease of operation
If conventional electronic valves are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the number of components and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation function and the flow control function into a single integrated piezoelectric-flapper assembly. The piezoelectric element is directly coupled to the flapper, eliminating the need for separate linkages, springs, and adjustment mechanisms found in conventional valves, thereby reducing component count and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuator, the positioning element, and the control element simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the valve design while maintaining precise fluid flow control 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 solution achieves a 30% reduction in volume and weight, reduces power consumption, and provides redundancy and improved response times by using piezoelectric elements to control fluid flow without solenoids, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric element which is positioned adjacent to the at least one aperture and is arranged to deform in response to an applied potential difference such that it blocks or obstructs the at least one aperture
Implementation Method 2
Varying incoming or outgoing fluid flow to the first chamber by deforming the piezoelectric element causes the pressure within the first chamber to change relative to the second chamber (which remains at the same pressure). The resulting difference in pressure leads to a net force being applied to the hydraulic element causing it to move.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic stage includes a hydraulic element located between and sealing a first and second chamber, wherein the first chamber comprises at least one aperture through which fluid is arranged to flow into or out of the first chamber; and at least one piezoelectric element which is positioned adjacent to the at least one aperture and is arranged to deform in response to an applied potential difference such that it blocks or obstructs the at least one aperture to a varying degree according to the level of deformation, so as to control fluid flow into or out of the first chamber. The level of deformation of the piezoelectric element thus reduces or increases an effective size of the inlet or outlet aperture to which it is adjacent, restricting or permitting an increase in fluid flow accordingly.