Spring-Linkage Pulsation Dampener for Compact Hydraulic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid pulsation dampeners in hydraulic systems face challenges with size and cost due to the need for large gas volumes and frequent pressure checks, and they can be impractical when using springs with small spring rates for effective pulsation reduction.
Innovation Solution
The use of mechanical springs combined with linkage mechanisms to provide a mechanical advantage, allowing for adjustable dampening performance without increasing the size of the dampener, and eliminating the need for pressurized gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gas-charged dampeners are used to reduce pulsations, then pulsation reduction is achieved, but the device size and cost increase due to large gas volumes required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional gas-charged dampening system with a mechanical spring-based system. The spring assembly (including compression springs and torsion springs) provides the dampening force mechanically, eliminating the need for large volumes of pressurized gas while achieving equivalent or superior pulsation reduction performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from gas pressure to mechanical spring force. By adjusting spring rates, preload, and linkage geometry, the system achieves variable dampening performance without requiring volume changes, thus reducing overall device size while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If traditional gas-charged dampeners are used, then pulsation reduction is achieved, but frequent pressure checks and maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical spring system is self-contained and requires no external monitoring or maintenance. The springs automatically provide dampening force without requiring pressure checks, gas replenishment, or specialized maintenance procedures, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the gas management requirement entirely from the system. By replacing the gas-charged mechanism with mechanical springs, the maintenance-intensive gas pressure monitoring and replenishment functions are eliminated, leaving a simpler mechanical system.
3Reliability
If mechanical springs with small spring rates are used for effective pulsation reduction, then dampening performance is improved, but the device becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spring system into multiple components working together: compression springs for axial force, torsion springs for rotational moments, and a linkage mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving effective dampening with practical, manageable dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the springs and the diaphragm. It translates and amplifies the forces from compact springs, enabling small spring rates to produce sufficient dampening effect on the diaphragm without requiring large spring dimensions, thus maintaining practicality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If linkage mechanisms with mechanical advantage are used, then adjustable dampening performance is achieved without increasing size, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism provides dynamic mechanical advantage that varies with the position of the diaphragm and spring assembly. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to automatically adapt its dampening force throughout the pulsation cycle, achieving adjustable performance through motion rather than through complex control mechanisms.
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 solution allows for effective pulsation reduction with adjustable performance, easier adjustment and maintenance, and reduced size and cost compared to traditional gas-charged dampeners, while maintaining effective pressure handling across a range of pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having a first end and a second end
Implementation Method 2
The linkage assembly is configured to provide a mechanical advantage between the spring and the deformable member
Implementation Method 3
the deformable member will deform responsive to pressure changes within the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 4
a diaphragm having a first side and a second side, the first side of the diaphragm being in fluid communication with the fluid chamber such that changes in pressure in the fluid chamber can cause the diaphragm to deform
Implementation Method 5
The linkage assembly is configured to provide a mechanical advantage between the spring and the deformable member
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsation dampener includes: a housing having a fluid port and a fluid chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid port; a deformable member in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; a spring; and a linkage assembly that transfers a force between the deformable member and the spring, wherein the linkage assembly is configured to amplify the force between the deformable member and the spring.