Pressure Balancing Rings for Multi-Actuator Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-actuation systems in gas turbine engines with a single electrohydraulic servo valve face synchronization issues due to unequal force resistance among actuators, leading to errors and reduced engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-actuation system with multiple electrohydraulic servo valves connected by pressure balancing rings, which fluidically interconnect extend and retract lines to maintain synchronization and balance actuator forces, preventing skewing and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electrohydraulic servo valve is used to control multiple actuators, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to synchronization errors between actuators
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure balancing manifold is introduced as an intermediary component between the single electrohydraulic servo valve and multiple actuators. The manifold distributes hydraulic fluid to all actuators and equalizes pressure differentials, ensuring synchronized movement while maintaining a single control valve. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling precise synchronization without increasing the number of control valves.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight kinematics are used to maintain actuator synchronization, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to bulky kinematic assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical kinematic assemblies with a hydraulic pressure balancing system. Instead of using mechanical linkages and kinematic constraints to enforce synchronization, the system uses a pressure balancing manifold that equalizes hydraulic pressure across all actuators. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical structures while achieving the same synchronization goal through fluid pressure equilibrium.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure balancing rings are added to interconnect actuators, then manufacturing precision is improved through better synchronization, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure balancing manifold performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes hydraulic fluid from the single control valve to all actuators, equalizes pressure differentials between actuators, and provides a common reference pressure for synchronized operation. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves precise synchronization without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 system ensures tight control and synchronization of actuators, reducing the risk of actuator skewing and maintaining engine efficiency by distributing pressure differentials across all actuators, even in case of failures, and allows for a lighter and more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A first pressure balancing ring fluidically connects all of the extend lines together. A second pressure balancing ring fluidically connects all of the retract lines together. This configuration allows for very tight control of the multi-actuation system by balancing the actuator forces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-actuation system (31) includes a first electrohydraulic servo valve (36a) and a first actuator (38a). A first fluid line (50a) fluidically connects the first electrohydraulic servo valve (36a) to the first actuator (38a). The multi-actuation system (31) also includes a second electrohydraulic servo valve (36b) and a second actuator (38b). A second fluid line (50b) fluidically connects the second electrohydraulic servo valve (36b) to the second actuator (38b). A ring (40) fluidically connects the first fluid line (50a) with the second fluid line (50b).