Remote Electro-Fluidic Drive With Rack-Piston Leak Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator systems suffer from leaks, poor energy efficiency, noise, and added mass due to centralized pumps or compressors, which are inefficient and bulky, making them unsuitable for lightweight robotic applications.
Innovation Solution
A remote drive system where an electrical motor drives a fluid-powered actuator, physically separating the motive force generation from the motion components, using a remote drive fluidically coupled to the actuator, thereby reducing mass and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized pump or compressor is used to provide pressurized fluid to the actuator, then the actuator can be fluidically powered, but the system suffers from leaks along pipes, poor energy efficiency, noise, heat generation, and added mass
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid power transmission into multiple distributed micro-pumps located at or near the actuator, replacing the single centralized pump. Each micro-pump independently supplies fluid to its associated actuator, eliminating long fluid transmission pipes and reducing leaks while improving energy efficiency and reducing noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distributed network of micro-pumps as intermediaries between the power source and actuators. These micro-pumps are positioned strategically to minimize fluid transmission distance and eliminate the need for long pipes, thereby reducing energy loss and improving system reliability
2Reliability
If a centralized pump or compressor is used, then fluid power can be transmitted to the actuator, but the mass of the system increases due to the bulky pump and associated piping
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized pump is segmented into multiple distributed micro-pumps that are either integrated with or located near individual actuators. This eliminates the need for bulky centralized equipment and extensive piping, significantly reducing system mass while maintaining fluid power transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a centralized spatial arrangement to a distributed arrangement where micro-pumps are positioned in close proximity to actuators. This dimensional redistribution eliminates long fluid transmission paths and reduces the overall system footprint and mass
3Use of energy by moving object
If an electrical motor is placed in close physical proximity to the actuator to achieve efficient energy conversion, then energy efficiency improves, but the mass that the robot must manipulate increases due to the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor is segmented and distributed to multiple micro-pumps that are positioned near or at the actuators. Each micro-pump is driven by its own motor, enabling efficient local energy conversion while minimizing the mass at each actuator location through the use of small, distributed motor units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coupling of large motors to actuators with a fluid-mechanical system using micro-pumps. This substitution allows for more flexible positioning of motor mass away from the actuator while maintaining efficient energy conversion through the fluid power transmission medium
4Reliability
If centralized pumps or compressors are used, then fluid power can be generated, but the system produces objectionable noise and heat that must be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The single noisy and heat-generating centralized pump is segmented into multiple small micro-pumps distributed throughout the system. Each micro-pump generates minimal noise and heat, and their distributed positioning prevents concentration of thermal and acoustic energy, thereby eliminating objectionable noise and heat while maintaining fluid power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful characteristics of noise and heat are extracted from the centralized pump location and distributed across multiple small micro-pump locations. This extraction and distribution of harmful effects reduces their intensity and makes them manageable through proper positioning and ventilation
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 provides improved efficiency and reduced mass by separating motive force generation from motion components, minimizing leaks and noise, and reducing the overall mass of the robotic system.
Implementation Method 1
configured for being driven by an electrical motor
Implementation Method 2
fluid-powered actuator, physically separating the motive force generation from the motion components, using a remote drive fluidically coupled to the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system includes: a remote drive configured for being driven by an electrical motor; and an actuator spaced apart from and fluidically coupled with the remote drive and configured for being fluidically powered by the remote drive, the remote drive including a rack and pinion system and a plurality of piston assemblies coupled therewith, the rack and pinion system including a first rack, a second rack, and a pinion engaging the first rack and the second rack, the plurality of piston assemblies each including an inner piston and an outer piston which are configured for sliding relative to one another and thereby for selectively opening and closing a working medium passage therebetween.