Underwater Electrohydraulic Actuator With External Rotary Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydraulic systems for underwater applications are complex, require large installation spaces, have limited useful life, and are sensitive to shocks and vibrations, making frequent adjustments difficult and prone to mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
An electrohydraulic system with a rotary drive unit mechanically coupled to a hydraulic machine, allowing for a compact design, increased useful life, and enabling frequent adjustments while minimizing the impact of underwater vehicle-induced shocks and vibrations, featuring a hydraulic cylinder with a helical pressure spring and solenoid valves for hydraulic balancing during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual interface with rod and nut is used for emergency actuation, then manual actuation capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex manual interface (rod and nut mechanism) from the electrohydraulic actuator by integrating a hydraulic machine that can be directly actuated by an external rotary drive unit. This extraction eliminates the mechanical thread interface while preserving emergency actuation capability through direct hydraulic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic machine as an intermediary between the external rotary drive unit and the hydraulic cylinder. This mediator converts rotary motion to hydraulic pressure, which then drives the linear actuation, replacing the need for direct mechanical thread engagement.
2Extent of automation
If an electric motor drives the pump for continuous operation, then automation and productivity are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables periodic or intermittent operation of the electrohydraulic actuator by allowing the external rotary drive unit to engage only when adjustment is needed. The hydraulic machine stores energy in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid, allowing the system to operate automatically between engagement periods without continuous electrical power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the external rotary drive unit to periodically service the actuator by repressurizing the hydraulic system as needed. Between these servicing periods, the actuator maintains its position and function using the stored hydraulic pressure, reducing overall energy consumption.
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 system achieves a compact, robust design with extended useful life, enabling efficient and reliable operation of underwater process valves, reducing the need for extensive electrical energy and minimizing mechanical sensitivity to shocks and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic machine, which can be operated at least as a pump
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic cylinder preferably comprises a helical pressure spring for resetting the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 3
At least one solenoid valve is preferably arranged in such a way that the second cylinder chamber of the hydraulic cylinder is hydraulically balanced in the event of an electrical power failure
Data Source
AI summary
An electrohydraulic system for use under water includes an electrohydraulic actuator and a container. A hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic machine are arranged in an internal space of the container. The hydraulic machine is mechanically coupled to a rotary drive unit for a common rotary movement, and the hydraulic machine adjusts the hydraulic cylinder or the hydraulic motor. The rotary drive unit is arranged outside the container and is configured to couple to and decouple from the hydraulic machine. A device in one embodiment includes the electrohydraulic system.