Flow Restricted Positioner Control Apparatus and Methods
AssigneeFlexibility Engineering, LLC
InventorsJoseph Pawelski, Thomas M. Ingraham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Particular embodiments of the inventive technology disclosed herein relate to the use of a dynamic valve to reduce motion caused by impulse force applied to a positioned component. Typically, the inventive technology finds application in an internally pressurized positioning system. At times, use of the inventive technology may lead to cost savings by, e.g., allowing for the use of smaller diameter positioner actuators and/or a reduced internal pressure.
Claims92
A position control apparatus capable of moving at least one side guide component of an item conveyance system to any of a plurality of component positions, as desired, within a component position range, said apparatus comprising:
- a fluidic drive system configured to drive, with a single fluidic displacement, a plurality of positioners in a first relative direction;
- a bias system that includes a plurality of biasers that bias said positioners in a direction that is opposite said first relative direction;
- at least one dynamic valve configured to oppose impulse force induced motion of said at least one side guide component;
- and
- said apparatus enabling adjustment of said positioners to a plurality of positions within a positioner range, said positioners effecting positioning, as desired, of said at least one component to a desired component position within said component position range.
A system comprising:
- a position control apparatus that controls the position of at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force, said position control apparatus comprising internally pressurized componentry that is pressurized at an internal fluidic pressure;
- and
- at least one dynamic valve configured to oppose motion of said at least one component that is induced by said impulse force.
A method for reducing the magnitude of a required steady state internal pressure in a component positioning system comprising the steps of:
- internally pressurizing componentry of a position control apparatus, said position control apparatus comprising a positioner actuator configured to control the position of at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force;
- and
- establishing a dynamic valve so as to produce an opposition force that opposes impulse force induced motion of said at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force,
- wherein said step of internally pressurizing componentry of a position control apparatus comprises the step of internally pressurizing componentry at a flow restricted system internal pressure that is lower than a flow unrestricted system internal pressure that would be required to achieve said opposition force.
A method for reducing the size of a positioner actuator in a component positioning system comprising the steps of:
- internally pressurizing componentry of a position control apparatus, said position control apparatus comprising a positioner actuator configured to control the position of at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force;
- and
- establishing a dynamic valve so as to produce an opposition force that opposes impulse force induced motion of said at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force,
- wherein said positioner actuator has a flow restricted system actuator size that is smaller than the flow unrestricted system actuator size that would be required to achieve said opposition force.
A method for saving costs associated with a position control apparatus comprising the steps of:
- internally pressurizing componentry of a position control apparatus, said position control apparatus comprising a positioner actuator configured to control the position of at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force;
- and
- establishing a dynamic valve so as to produce an opposition force that opposes impulse force induced motion of said at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force,
- wherein said position control apparatus comprises a flow restricted system configuration that is preferred relative to a flow unrestricted system configuration required to achieve said opposition force.
A method for reducing impulse force induced motion of a component capable of receiving an impulse force and whose position is controlled by a position control apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:
- internally pressurizing componentry of a position control apparatus, said position control apparatus comprising a positioner actuator configured to control the position of at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force;
- establishing a dynamic valve in a flow component so as to produce an opposition force that opposes impulse force induced motion of said at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force;
- receiving an impulse force onto said at least one component capable of receiving an impulse force;
- then limiting flow through said flow component to constant value, wherein said constant value is selected from the group consisting of non-zero value and zero;
- and
- reducing impulse force induced motion of said component capable of receiving an impulse force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.