Servovalve Torque Motor Adjustable Air Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for adjusting the air gap in torque motors, such as Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), are time-consuming, expensive, and risky due to debris fallouts, and existing adjustment methods are not efficient for achieving precise control over the air gap magnitude.

Innovation Solution

A torque motor design with moveable pole pieces and an adjustable air gap mechanism, where the second pole piece portion can be selectively moved relative to the first pole piece to adjust the air gap size, allowing for precise control through attachment and retaining means, enabling quick and reversible adjustments of the air gap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is used to provide the air gap, then the air gap can be formed, but the process is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair gap formationVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pole piece is divided into two separate portions that can be selectively positioned relative to each other. This segmentation allows the air gap to be adjusted by moving one portion relative to the other, eliminating the need for time-consuming EDM processes while maintaining precise air gap control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole piece portions are made selectively moveable relative to each other, transforming the static air gap into a dynamic, adjustable parameter. This allows rapid adjustment of the air gap without requiring repetitive machining operations, significantly reducing process time while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is used to provide the air gap, then the air gap can be formed, but it is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair gap formationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the pole piece into movable portions, the invention replaces expensive EDM machining with simpler, lower-cost manufacturing processes for creating and adjusting the air gap, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable pole piece portions can be manufactured using more economical processes compared to EDM, providing a cost-effective alternative that achieves the same functional result without the high expenses associated with precision discharge machining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is used to provide the air gap, then the air gap can be formed, but the risk of fall out debris is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair gap formationVSAvoiddebris fallout

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the air gap formation process from the EDM machining process by using movable pole piece portions. This eliminates the harmful debris fallout associated with EDM while maintaining the ability to form and adjust the air gap through mechanical positioning rather than material removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If the position of pole pieces is adjusted to set armature position, then the air gap can be controlled, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair gap controlVSAvoidadjustment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable pole piece portions enable dynamic adjustment of the air gap through simple relative movement, significantly increasing productivity compared to static adjustment methods. The design allows rapid repositioning of pole piece portions to achieve desired air gap values without time-consuming procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design allows for precise and efficient adjustment of the air gap, enhancing the performance of the torque motor by enabling quick and reversible changes, thus improving the motor's operational characteristics and reducing the need for costly and risky EDM processes.

Implementation Method 1

a torque motor, which is controlled by current applied to a coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

One of the main parameters which has an influence on the performance of a torque motor is the value of the air gap between the pole piece and the armature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11018568B2Servovalve with adjustable air gaps

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A torque motor for a servovalve is provided, the torque motor comprising an armature and a first pole piece. The first pole piece has a first portion and a second portion that is selectively moveable relative to the first portion such that a size of an air gap formed between the second portion and the armature is adjusted in response to the movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.