Solid-State Actuator Valve Release for Rapid Safe-State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator devices in safety-relevant applications face challenges in rapidly transitioning systems to zero-force and zero-voltage states while ensuring high functional safety, particularly in emergency situations, due to limitations in force generation and systemic disadvantages of hydraulic or pneumatic components.
Innovation Solution
An actuator device utilizing solid-state actuators and a valve element with a discharge duct, alternately activated to apply and release fluid, allowing for fast and secure switching between holding and yielding positions, thereby enabling rapid transition to a safe state without the need for hydraulic or pneumatic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic or pneumatic components are used for high force density, then force generation capability is improved, but installation space requirement and maintenance effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic or pneumatic mechanical systems with an electromagnetic actuator that generates force directly through electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for fluid reservoirs, pumps, valves, and associated piping, thereby reducing installation space and maintenance requirements while maintaining high force generation capability through direct electromagnetic force production on the output element.
2Speed
If large forces are applied to fast adjust the desired state, then switching speed is improved, but functional safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed with inherent fail-safe characteristics where loss of power or control signal automatically results in the output element returning to or remaining in the safe state. The actuator serves itself by using the absence of electromagnetic force (rather than requiring active braking or counterbalancing mechanisms) to achieve the safe state, thereby maintaining functional safety while enabling rapid switching when power is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator configuration includes features such as spring returns or gravity-assisted positioning that are pre-configured to counteract the applied force and return the system to a safe state in case of emergency or power failure. This preliminary anti-action ensures that even large forces applied during normal operation cannot prevent the system from returning to safety when needed.
3Force
If hydraulic or pneumatic systems are implemented for force generation, then force density is improved, but media supply requirements and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electromagnetic force generation for hydraulic or pneumatic force generation. The electromagnetic actuator produces force directly through interaction between magnetic fields and conductive materials, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid or compressed gas media. This results in high force density achieved through electromagnetic field concentration in a compact volume, without requiring external media supply systems or large installation spaces for fluid reservoirs and compression equipment.
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 actuator device achieves rapid and secure switching of systems to a safe state, ensuring zero-force and zero-voltage conditions, with enhanced functional safety and reduced installation space and maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
By alternately activating the solid-state actuators, the fluid is conveyed to the output element, whereby the output element is applied with the fluid
Implementation Method 2
the output element is movable into a holding position as well as is able to be held, that is can be held, in the holding position for example against a load acting on the output element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an actuator device, which has: an output element, which is acted on by a fluid and as a result is movable into a holding position; two solid-state actuators, which are able to be activated alternately; a coupling element common to the solid-state actuators; a discharge duct, via which the fluid is able to be discharged from the output element; and at least one valve element, which is adjustable between a blocking closed state and an open state, in which the valve element allows the fluid to be discharged from the output element via the discharge duct and allows the output element to move from the holding position into at least one yielding position, wherein the valve element is actuable, via the coupling element of the respective solid-state actuator, by the respective activation of the solid-state actuator and is able to be moved into the closed state.