Variable Displacement Power Control for Orifice-Free Actuator Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid power systems, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems, face inefficiencies in energy transfer due to the need to reduce excess energy, often resulting in energy loss as heat, particularly when using fixed displacement pumps and orifices to control actuator velocity, leading to increased energy consumption and waste.
Innovation Solution
The Variable Displacement Power Controller (VDPC) reconfigures fluid energy units (UEs) by adjusting pressure and volume to match the specific energy requirements of actuators, using rotating members and cam mechanisms to distribute energy efficiently without dissipating excess energy as heat, allowing for flexible power control and reduced energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fixed displacement pumps and orifices are used to control actuator velocity, then velocity control is achieved, but energy is wasted as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a variable displacement pump that can dynamically adjust its flow output to match the actual velocity requirements of the actuator. The pump's displacement is made variable through a control mechanism that responds to system demands, eliminating the need for fixed displacement operation and subsequent energy dissipation through orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pump displacement from fixed to variable. By adjusting the displacement parameter of the pump based on actual system needs, the system can deliver the precise flow required for desired actuator velocity without excess energy that would otherwise be wasted through restrictive orifices.
2Speed
If fixed displacement pumps are sized for maximum velocity, then maximum velocity capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable displacement pump dynamically adjusts its flow output based on actual actuator velocity requirements. When maximum velocity is not needed, the pump reduces its displacement and flow output, thereby consuming less power while still maintaining the capability to achieve maximum velocity when required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously providing maximum flow capability through a fixed displacement pump sized for peak performance, the system uses partial action by adjusting pump displacement to match actual demands. This eliminates excessive flow delivery and the associated power consumption during normal operation while preserving maximum capability when needed.
3Loss of substance
If pressure compensated pumps are used to reduce flow, then volume waste is reduced, but energy is still wasted through orifices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the restrictive orifice element from the system by using variable displacement pump control. Instead of forcing excess flow through an orifice to achieve velocity control, the system takes out the need for flow restriction by matching pump output directly to actuator requirements, thereby eliminating both volume waste and energy dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from flow rate restriction (using orifices) to displacement adjustment (using variable pump). By changing how flow is controlled - from passive restriction to active displacement management - the system eliminates energy dissipation while maintaining velocity control capability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If load-sensing pumps are used to match power requirements, then energy efficiency improves, but restrictive orifices are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of power matching and velocity control into a single variable displacement pump system. Instead of requiring separate components (load-sensing mechanism plus restrictive orifices), the variable displacement pump integrates both functions, eliminating the need for additional restrictive elements while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable displacement pump serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides load-sensing capability for power matching and velocity control through its displacement adjustment mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate restrictive orifices that would otherwise be required in traditional load-sensing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are Variable Displacement Power Controllers and applications generally in the field of fluid powered systems that provide for increased efficiency and effectiveness over known fluid systems, where fluid power generally refers to hydraulic or gas power.