Self-contained energy efficient hydraulic actuator system
AssigneeMEA Inc.
InventorMark Vincent Chester
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The self-contained energy efficient hydraulic actuator system of the present invention includes a hydraulic cylinder, a servo motor that is configured to produce rated torque from zero RPM to maximum rated RPM with rotor speed/position feedback to a servo motor, a pump, and a solenoid valve that enables the hydraulic cylinder to maintain its position without the motor running. The system has the ability to hold a load in place without motor operation via the use of the solenoid valve, and therefore saves energy and extends the motor lifetime by minimizing the motor running time.
Claims25
A hydraulic actuator system comprising:
- at least one piston;
- at least one bi-directional hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the piston to provide hydraulic fluid to the piston and to control the position of the piston, the pump having at least one hydraulic fluid inlet and at least one hydraulic fluid outlet;
- a servo motor operatively coupled to the pump to drive the pump;
- at least one solenoid valve configured to control the hydraulic fluid between said piston and said bi-directional pump, and
- a controller for controlling the solenoid valve and servo motor,
- wherein the position of the piston can be maintained when the servo motor is not driving the pump.
A method of reducing the energy consumption of a hydraulic actuator system said method comprising the steps of:
- i) receiving, at a controller, input signals corresponding to a desired operation of the functions of the system,
- ii) determining by the controller an operating limit for the system;
- and
- iii) controlling the servo motor and solenoid valve simultaneously at the operating limit, wherein the hydraulic actuator system comprises least one piston;
- at least one bi-directional hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the piston to provide hydraulic fluid to the piston and to control the position of the piston, the pump having at least one hydraulic fluid inlet and at least one hydraulic fluid outlet;
- a servo motor operatively coupled to the pump to drive the pump;
- at least one solenoid valve configured to control the hydraulic fluid between said piston and said bi-directional pump, and said controller controls the solenoid valve and servo motor, wherein the position of the piston can be maintained when the servo motor is not driving the pump.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.