Servovalve Heat Exchanger Layout for Torque Motor Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional servovalves face challenges in reducing heat transfer from high-temperature pneumatic fluid to the torque motor, leading to potential damage and performance issues.

Innovation Solution

A heat exchanger system is integrated into the servovalve, featuring pipes and thermally insulating materials to isolate the torque motor from the base, utilizing a labyrinthine pipe configuration and ceramic columns to maximize cooling and minimize heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the pneumatic fluid supply port is positioned close to the torque motor for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but heat transfer from the hot pneumatic fluid to the torque motor increases causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidheat transfer to torque motor

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cooling system comprising cooling channels and cooling fluid is introduced as an intermediary between the hot pneumatic fluid supply port and the torque motor. The cooling fluid absorbs heat from the base through the cooling channels, preventing direct heat transfer to the torque motor while allowing the supply port to remain in its compact position adjacent to the motor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal parameters of the base are modified by introducing cooling channels that alter the temperature distribution within the base. The cooling fluid flowing through these channels changes the thermal state of the base, creating a temperature gradient that protects the torque motor from excessive heat while maintaining the compact structural arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cooling channels are added to reduce heat transfer, then heat transfer to torque motor is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer to torque motorVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channels are merged with the existing base structure of the servovalve, integrating the cooling function into the base itself rather than adding separate cooling components. This integration approach reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions (structural support and heat dissipation) into a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the torque motor and simultaneously acts as a heat exchanger through the integrated cooling channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling structures, thereby reducing device complexity while effectively managing heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If thermally insulating material is placed between the base and torque motor, then heat transfer is reduced, but the cooling system effectiveness is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer to torque motorVSAvoidcooling system effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channels are extracted from the base and repositioned to extend into the space between the base and the torque motor. This extraction allows the cooling fluid to directly access and cool the torque motor mounting area, maintaining cooling effectiveness while the thermally insulating material can be selectively placed only where needed to block heat paths without interfering with the cooling fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution effectively reduces heat transfer to the torque motor, enhancing its thermal isolation and maintaining performance even under high-temperature conditions, while maintaining the servovalve's structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

heat may be transferred from the pneumatic fluid to the torque motor via part of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

cooling fluid may flow from the first passage to the second passage via the one or more pipes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The one or more ceramic columns may be configured to thermally insulate a component of the torque motor from the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11454335B2Servovalve

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a heat exchanger system for a servovalve, comprising a base comprising a supply port in fluid communication with a return port, a first passage for fluid connection to a source of cooling fluid, and a second passage in fluid communication with the return port. The system further comprises one or more pipes located over a surface of the base, the one or more pipes fluidly connected between the first passage and the second passage, such that in use cooling fluid may flow from the first passage to the second passage via the network of pipes.