Rotary Selector Override Pump for Compact Hydraulic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual hydraulic override pumps are large in size due to the need for a linear plunger selector valve, which also results in rubber seal wear and leakage, leading to inefficient pumping operations.

Innovation Solution

A manual hydraulic override pump with a rotatable rotor in a manifold, allowing fluid connection between different ports, utilizing metal-to-metal contact for sealing, reducing wear and increasing lifespan, and enabling compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a linear plunger selector valve is used in manual hydraulic override pumps, then the pump can achieve fluid connection between different ports, but the pump size becomes large and rubber seals wear leading to leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidpump size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The selector valve is segmented into a rotor with multiple radial ports and a stator with corresponding ports. The rotor is divided into sectors that can be independently positioned to connect different fluid paths. This segmentation allows for a more compact design compared to a linear plunger valve while maintaining multiple fluid connection options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a linear plunger that moves axially to select different ports, the invention inverts the approach by using a rotor that rotates to bring different radial ports into alignment with stator ports. This rotational selection mechanism achieves the same fluid path selection function in a more space-efficient manner and eliminates the need for rubber seals that wear out.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 3:

The invention replaces the mechanical rubber seal system with a metal-to-metal or hard-surfaced port alignment system. The rotor and stator ports are precisely machined to align when the rotor is in specific positions, eliminating the need for flexible seals that are prone to wear and leakage. This substitution significantly improves reliability while reducing overall pump size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a linear plunger selector valve is used, then fluid connection between ports is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The selector valve is divided into a rotor and stator with precisely machined ports. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes and easier assembly compared to a monolithic linear plunger valve. The rotor can be manufactured as a separate component with radial ports, and the stator as a separate component with axial ports, simplifying the manufacturing of each individual part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing the rubber seal-based linear plunger system with a port-alignment rotor-stator system, the invention eliminates the need for expensive rubber seal materials and the complex machining required to create seal surfaces. The port alignment mechanism can be manufactured using standard precision machining techniques, reducing both material and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If rubber seals are used in the selector valve, then fluid connection is maintained, but seal wear occurs leading to leakage and inefficient operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping efficiencyVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention substitutes the rubber seal system with a hard-surfaced port alignment system where fluid connection is maintained through precise geometric alignment of rotor and stator ports rather than through flexible seals. This eliminates the wear mechanism that limits the service life of rubber seals, allowing the selector valve to maintain reliable operation for much longer periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor and stator components are manufactured from durable materials such as stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant alloys, and the port surfaces are finished with hard coatings or precision machining to create wear-resistant mating surfaces. This use of composite material properties (combining structural integrity with surface hardness) ensures long service life while maintaining efficient fluid connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11118612B2Manual hydraulic override pumps for use with actuators

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT VALVE AUTOMATION INC

AI summary

Manual hydraulic override pumps for use with actuators are described herein. An example apparatus includes a manifold including a reservoir port to be fluidly coupled to a reservoir of fluid, a pump port to be fluidly coupled to a pump, a first actuator port to be fluidly coupled to a first chamber of an actuator, and a second actuator port to be fluidly coupled to a second chamber of the actuator. The example apparatus also includes a rotor disposed in a cavity formed in the manifold. The rotor is rotatable between a first actuating position in which the rotor fluidly couples the first actuator port and the pump port, and a second actuating position in which the rotor fluidly couples the second actuator port and the pump port.