Servo-Valve Nozzle Feedback for Faster Actuator Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing servo-valves face challenges in achieving high response speed due to material selection, mechanical strength, and manufacturing cost issues, which affect their accuracy and efficiency in industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A servo-valve design that includes a nozzle with a force generation portion and a receiver with inflow ports, where the nozzle is displaced to intersect with either inflow port, causing fluid to be blown out and collide with the force generation portion, creating an assisting force for quick displacement, thereby improving response speed and driving the actuator effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional electromagnetic principles are used to displace the nozzle, then the servo-valve can control fluid flow, but the response speed is limited and mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidmechanical mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses hydraulic principles where fluid discharged from the nozzle is redirected to collide with the force generation portion, creating a reactive force that assists nozzle displacement. This hydraulic feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex electromagnetic actuators while achieving faster response speeds through fluid dynamic forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own discharged fluid to generate the assisting force for nozzle displacement. The fluid that would otherwise be waste is recirculated to collide with the force generation portion, creating a self-sustaining feedback loop that accelerates response without external power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If material strength and mechanical properties are improved to enhance nozzle performance, then reliability increases, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with a fluid dynamic system. Instead of using mechanically complex actuators that require precision manufacturing and expensive materials, the system uses fluid pressure and collision forces to achieve reliable nozzle displacement, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the nozzle displacement mechanism is simplified to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but response speed may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a periodic feedback cycle where fluid discharge, collision, and force generation occur in rapid succession. This cyclic action maintains continuous assisting force on the nozzle, ensuring fast response speed while using simple mechanical components that are easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 servo-valve achieves high response speed and efficient actuation by utilizing the assisting force from the fluid collision, enhancing the nozzle's displacement and the actuator's operation, resulting in improved performance and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the force generation portion collides with the fluid blown out from the second inflow port and causes an assisting force in a direction matching the nozzle displacement direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid collision force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3263913B1Servo-valve and fluidic device
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 NABTESCO CORP
  • EP3263913B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3263913B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3263913B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The disclosure discloses a servo-valve (100) that controls a fluid discharged from a discharge port (221) of a nozzle (200) by displacing the nozzle (200) and drives an actuator. The servo-valve (100) includes a receiver (300) that includes an inflow surface (310) provided with a first inflow port (311) and a second inflow port (312) into which the fluid discharged from the discharge port (221) flows. The nozzle (200) includes a force generation portion (223) that includes an end surface (224) provided with the discharge port (221) and an outer circumferential surface (225) formed in the periphery of the end surface (224). When the nozzle (200) is displaced from a neutral position toward the first inflow port (311), the fluid inside the second inflow port (312) is blown out toward the nozzle (200). The force generation portion (223) collides with the fluid blown out from the second inflow port (312) and causes an assisting force in a direction matching a nozzle displacement direction toward the first inflow port (311). The nozzle (200) easily moves by the assisting force generated in the force generation portion (223) and thus a response speed is improved.