Variable Damping Actuator for Oscillation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Known centre seeking actuators face premature degradation due to low damping coefficients during operational states, leading to increased oscillations and load cycles, which affects the operational lifespan of the actuators and coupled components.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a damping device that adjusts its damping coefficient between a low and high value, providing low resistance during forced extension and contraction while stabilizing at an intermediate condition with increased damping near that state, using a fluid flow restriction device like an elongate metering pin to vary fluid flow path diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centre seeking actuator uses a constant low damping coefficient during operation, then the actuator experiences reduced resistance to forced extension and contraction, but the actuator exhibits increased oscillations and load cycles when approaching the intermediate condition, reducing operational lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The damping coefficient is made variable rather than constant. The damping device adjusts the damping coefficient dynamically based on the actuator's position relative to the intermediate condition, providing low damping during forced extension/contraction operations and high damping when approaching the intermediate condition to reduce oscillations and load cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the damping coefficient is changed based on operating conditions. The damping device modifies the damping coefficient from a low value during operational states to a high value near the intermediate condition, optimizing performance and reliability for different phases of actuator operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a centre seeking actuator uses a constant high damping coefficient to reduce oscillations at the intermediate condition, then the actuator achieves stable intermediate condition with fewer oscillations, but the actuator experiences increased resistance during forced extension and contraction, reducing operational lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The damping coefficient is made variable rather than constant. The damping device adjusts the damping coefficient dynamically based on the actuator's position, providing high damping when near the intermediate condition to stabilize the system and reduce oscillations, while switching to low damping during forced extension/contraction to minimize wear and extend operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping coefficient parameter is changed from high to low based on the actuator's operational state. This parameter change allows the system to achieve stable intermediate condition with fewer oscillations while also reducing resistance during forced extension and contraction operations.
3Device complexity
If a centre seeking actuator uses a constant damping coefficient, then the device structure is simpler, but the actuator cannot optimize performance for both operational states and intermediate condition stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device incorporates variable damping capability through a relatively simple structural addition to the actuator. This allows the system to optimize performance for both operational states and intermediate condition stabilization without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 achieves increased operational lifespan and reduced oscillations by maintaining stability closer to critical damping, thereby extending component life and reducing wear on dynamic seals and hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid flow path providing fluid communication between the first hydraulic chamber and the second hydraulic chamber, wherein the damping device comprises a fluid flow restriction device arranged to modify the damping co-efficient of the actuator by varying the fluid diameter of the fluid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator arranged to be movable between an extended condition and a compressed condition and being biased to an intermediate condition between and distinct from the extended condition and the compressed condition. The actuator includes a damping device arranged to define the damping coefficient of the actuator. The damping device is arranged to provide a relatively low damping coefficient when the actuator is in a first condition distinct from the intermediate condition, and a relatively high damping coefficient when the actuator is in a second condition, the second condition being distinct from the first condition and being equal or adjacent to the intermediate condition