Piezoelectric Servo Valve Without Magnet-Spring Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing servo valves in aerospace applications require complex mechanisms involving magnets and springs for precise fluid control, which are cumbersome and require calibration, and lack efficient bidirectional axial movement.
Innovation Solution
A servo valve design featuring a piezoelectric actuator and a member with angled transition sections within a valve housing, allowing for precise axial movement and fluid control through a channel with varying nozzle obstructions, eliminating the need for magnets and simplifying construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mechanisms involving magnets and springs are used for precise fluid control, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex magnet and spring mechanisms from the servo valve system, replacing them with a simplified direct-actuator design where the piezoelectric actuator directly moves the spool without intermediate magnetic or spring components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuator serves multiple functions: it provides bidirectional axial movement, directly actuates the spool, and eliminates the need for separate magnet and spring components, consolidating multiple functions into a single device that reduces overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If magnets and springs are used for bidirectional axial movement, then movement control is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnet and spring system with a piezoelectric actuator that uses electro-mechanical conversion to achieve bidirectional axial movement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical assemblies and simplifying manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuator inherently provides bidirectional movement capability through its design, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms to achieve movement in opposite directions, thereby simplifying the overall construction and manufacturing
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used for precise fluid control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the magnet and spring components from the system, the patent reduces the number of parts that could potentially fail, thereby improving reliability while simultaneously reducing device complexity. The simplified direct-actuation mechanism has fewer failure points
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 design provides precise and simplified control of fluid flow with reduced calibration needs and bidirectional movement, enhancing reliability and efficiency in aerospace applications.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator configured to move the member relative to the valve housing, between said first and second axial positions
Data Source
AI summary
A servo valve comprises a valve housing, a cavity formed in the valve housing and a member disposed in the cavity and axially-moveable therein. The servo valve further comprises a piezoelectric actuator configured to axially move the member, relative to the valve housing, between first and second axial positions.