Vented Pressurized Gas Actuator Force Profile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurized gas-powered actuators lack the ability to control the actuation force profile effectively throughout the piston stroke, as the force exerted by the actuator is not adequately managed according to the position of the piston or piston rod, limiting their application in precise movements and force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator design featuring a housing with vent grooves that extend from the inner surface, allowing controlled venting of pressurized gas along the piston stroke, enabling precise control of the actuation force profile by varying the cross-sectional area and length of the grooves, and positioning them to manage gas flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pressurized gas is used to power the actuator, then the actuator can generate sufficient force to move vehicle portions, but the force exerted cannot be controlled according to piston position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating vent grooves with specific cross-sectional areas at different locations along the piston stroke. These grooves have varying dimensions (width, depth, length) to provide different venting characteristics at different positions, enabling localized control of gas flow and pressure to achieve desired force profile throughout the stroke
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the vent grooves (cross-sectional area, length, position) to control the actuation force profile. By varying these geometric parameters, the gas flow rate and pressure distribution are adjusted to maintain optimal force throughout the piston stroke, resolving the contradiction between generating sufficient force and controlling force distribution
2Force
If the actuator maintains high pressure throughout the stroke, then sufficient force is available, but the actuator cannot depressurize rapidly after stroke completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the venting function from a centralized location and distributes it along the piston stroke path through multiple vent grooves. This allows gas to be continuously bled off during the stroke, preventing excessive pressure buildup, and enables rapid depressurization after stroke completion since the vent paths remain open or can be quickly activated
Solution Approach 2:
The vent grooves are pre-positioned and pre-sized to provide optimal venting at each stage of the piston stroke. The grooves are designed to activate at specific positions to control pressure buildup in advance, and to facilitate rapid pressure release after the stroke ends, addressing both force maintenance and quick depressurization needs
3Ease of operation
If vent grooves are added to control gas flow, then force distribution is improved, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vent grooves that create controlled porous-like flow paths in the housing wall. Instead of adding complex valves or flow control mechanisms, the grooves provide passive flow resistance characteristics that control gas venting. This achieves force profile control while maintaining relatively simple housing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The housing wall is segmented with multiple discrete vent grooves at different positions and orientations. This segmentation allows independent control of gas flow at different locations, enabling precise force profile management. The modular nature of adding individual grooves also keeps the overall structure manageable and manufacturable
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 controlled and precise force distribution along the piston stroke, allowing for efficient transmission of force to connected elements, such as a vehicle hood, by managing gas flow through strategically designed vent grooves, ensuring consistent performance and rapid depressurization post-stroke.
Implementation Method 1
allowing controlled venting of pressurized gas along the piston stroke
Implementation Method 2
managed gas flow effectively... controlling the actuation force profile
Data Source
AI summary
A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. The inner surface has a constant radius between first and second planes extending perpendicular to the axis. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one vent groove has a first end intersecting the first plane and a second end intersecting the second plane.