Shared Valve Actuator for Fluid Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid working machines have complex and bulky valve actuator mechanisms that require separate electronically controlled actuators for low and high pressure valves, leading to increased size, complexity, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fluid working machine design where both low and high pressure valves are actuated by a single electronically controlled valve actuator, allowing independent movement between open and closed positions, thereby simplifying control and reducing bulk and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate electronically controlled actuators are used for low and high pressure valves, then independent control of each valve is achieved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valve actuators into a single integrated actuator that controls both the low pressure valve and high pressure valve. This single actuator includes a piston that can independently actuate both valves through separate rod connections, thereby reducing device complexity and bulk while maintaining independent control capability over each valve through electronic control signals.
2Ease of operation
If separate electronically controlled actuators are used for low and high pressure valves, then independent control of each valve is achieved, but size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valve actuators into a single integrated actuator that controls both the low pressure valve and high pressure valve. This single actuator includes a piston that can independently actuate both valves through separate rod connections, thereby reducing device complexity and bulk while maintaining independent control capability over each valve through electronic control signals.
3Device complexity
If a single electronically controlled actuator is used for both low and high pressure valves, then device complexity and size are reduced, but independent control capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is segmented into two independent control paths: one controlling the low pressure valve and another controlling the high pressure valve. Each valve has its own control rod connected to the piston, allowing separate electronic control signals to independently actuate each valve despite sharing a common actuator body, thus maintaining adaptability and versatility.
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 enhances reliability, reduces size and cost, and improves efficiency by using a shared actuator for both valves, while maintaining independent control over their operation.
Implementation Method 1
each valve has a respective solenoid which is coupled to a valve member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A fluid working machine has at least one working chamber of cyclically varying volume and low and high pressure valves to regulate the flow of working fluid into and out of the working chamber, from low and high pressure manifolds. The low and high pressure valves are actuated by a shared electronically controlled valve actuator which, when actuated, applies forces to the low and high pressure valve members to open and/or close the respective valves. The low and high pressure valve members are independently moveable and, although the low pressure valve member typically begins to move quickly in response to a shared valve control signal, the high pressure valve member typically moves only after a change in the pressure within the working chamber. The shared electronically controlled valve actuator can be a solenoid within a magnetic circuit which directs magnetic flux through both low pressure and high pressure valve armatures which are connected to the respective valve members.