Development of a novel high-speed actuation mechanism using a magneto-rheological fluid clutch and its application to a fluid control valve

Abstract

In many dynamic systems, such as vehicles, engine air and fuel control systems, fluid power systems, industrial robotics, and testing machines, high-speed actuators are necessary to achieve efficient system operation and high bandwidth performance. This article introduces a new actuation mechanism to enable high-speed actuation. The premise for this actuation mechanism is to momentarily couple a moving component (kinetic energy source) with translational components, which is enabled by a coupling/clutch system. The kinetic energy source (flywheel, electric motor, pump or motor shaft, etc.) is intermittently clutched and declutched to produce linear motion. This article presents such an energy coupler actuator using a magneto-rheological fluid clutch, initially focused on an application for high-speed valve actuation. A multi-physics coupled model was developed to evaluate the proposed energy coupler actuator performance. Simulations were conducted to optimize the energy coupler actuator design parameters. A prototype of the magneto-rheological fluid energy coupler actuator based on the optimal design solution was fabricated and experimentally tested, which achieved 1.6-mm stroke in 4.7 ms.

Parameters Optimization for the Control of Energy Coupler Actuator based on Finite Element Method

“…After the period, we decline the voltage to a low rate Uhold to keep maintain state of spool, at the same time avoid the problem of coil heat. The circuit and signal as shown in figure 3 will be imported into the simulation model [8].…”

Design and performance research on the actuator of high-speed valve based on shear working mode of magnetorheological fluid

“…Xiong firstly proposed the design concept of energy coupling actuator (ECA) when he was studying in Purdue [18]. He had already completed mechanical design, modeling, prototyping and experimental testing for the first generation of ECA prototype [19]. However, these works are initial stages of ECA's development and there is plenty of room for upgrading.…”

“…The circuit consists of four electronic switches (Q1-Q4), each of which is connected in parallel with a clamping diode (D1-D4). The power supply is simplified as a voltage source with resistor R in and capacitor C, and the coil sets are simplified as resistance R and inductance L. The transient electric current i and the corresponding electric consumption E elec can be obtained by solving the following equation [19]:…”

Design and performance analysis of high-speed on/off valve based on energy-coupled actuator

“…This mode also provides new insights for enhancing the performance of high-speed on/off valve actuators. Xiong et al [21,22] designed an energy-coupled actuator (ECA) based on the shear mode of MRF and analyzed the performance of first generation of ECA prototype. At a 48 V driving voltage, the ECA can achieve a 1.5 mm stroke within 4.7 ms. Theoretically, the valve's nominal flow rate corresponds to 100 l min −1 @5 bar.…”