Abstract:
A two-stage accumulator based pneumatic supply architecture (TAPSA) is provided for rapid actuation of multiple compliant pneumatic actuators simultaneously for their potential applications in wearable robotic assistive and rehabilitative devices, serving as light-weight and untethered actuation systems. The TAPSA comprises Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles serving as primary accumulators and secondary accumulators connected in series. Individual targeted levels of pneumatic pressures are achieved in actuators of the TAPSA within targeted durations of time for the rapid actuation of the actuators by the action of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controlled solenoid valves supplying pressurized air from the secondary accumulators which are in turn pressurized in prior to predetermined levels based on system performance model developed by a data driven approach utilized in the TAPSA. Rejuvenation of pressure in the secondary accumulators occurs through a pressure feedback based PD control scheme executed in between consecutive actuation cycles.
Abstract:
An accumulator assembly includes a first cylindrical casing, a second cylindrical casing co-axially positioned within the first cylindrical casing, wherein a cylindrical space is formed between the first cylindrical casing and the second cylindrical casing, the space defining a gas volume, first and second end caps attached to and closing the distal ends of the first and second cylindrical casings, each end cap having four radially outwardly extending sides defining reinforcement support flanges, wherein each reinforcement support flange includes a reinforcing element engagement surface, and a reinforcing element extending around each of two opposing support flanges, such that the reinforcing element engagement surfaces define a pathway for the reinforcing elements, wherein the reinforcing elements retain the first and second end caps to axial ends of the inner and outer casings.
Abstract:
Certain examples present an improved compressed-air energy storage system. The system can include multiple sequential stages, in which accumulators are charged with air, which influences a hydraulic fluid to influence a pump/motor, and vice versa.
Abstract:
A piston accumulator in which good sealing and guidance of a piston is ensured, even if the diameter of the housing undergoes expansion, the strength, weight and costs of the piston accumulator being optimised as far as possible, a piston accumulator, which has a housing defining a pressure chamber and receiving a movable piston, a compressible fluid being held in the pressure chamber, the piston having a housing side facing the pressure chamber and the piston having a working side which can face a working fluid that can move the piston with a bushing provided, within which the piston can move.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an accumulator which stores energy by deforming from its original shape in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid. The stored energy is returned when the fluid flow is reversed and the accumulator returns to its original shape. At least one feature of the accumulator is that it captures elastic strain energy of a stretched bladder, as opposed to relying on gases and metals for energy storage.
Abstract:
A composite accumulator includes a base defining a first cavity and having a closed end, an open end, and a fluid port in communication with the first cavity for communicating a hydraulic fluid in or out of the first cavity, a cover disposed over the open end of the base, the cover defining a second cavity, an insert disposed within the second cavity, a piston disposed within the first cavity and the second cavity, the piston sealed to the insert and translatable along an axis, and a biasing member disposed axially between the piston and the insert, the biasing member configured to bias the piston towards the base. Both the base and the cover are a plastic and the insert is a metal.
Abstract:
Certain examples present an improved compressed-air energy storage system. The system can include multiple sequential stages, in which accumulators are charged with air, which influences a hydraulic fluid to influence a pump/motor, and vice versa.
Abstract:
A pressurized container (10, 50) provided with a piston (13, 51) which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the pressurized container, wherein an electrode is arranged for determination of the position of the piston (13, 51) in the pressurized container (10, 50), at least in the wall of the pressurized container (10, 51) of a measuring arrangement for measurement of changes of electrical alternating field produced with supply of electrical energy, characterized in that the electrode, which is arranged on the wall of the pressurized container (10, 50) made from a resin-impregnated, fiber-reinforced plastic material, comprises an electrical conductor (23) which is sewn or stitched to the base material of a planar arrangement (15) with a form at least partially surrounding an inner wall part (14), and wherein the other electrode of the measuring arrangement is formed with the piston (13, 51) or with another electrical conductor (20) sewn or stitched onto the base material in the circumferential direction of the pressurized container (10, 50).
Abstract:
An accumulator for a hydraulic system includes a polymer liner defining a cavity. A metal bellows assembly is housed in the cavity and separates the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, with the first and second chambers isolated from one another by the bellows assembly. A composite shell substantially encases the liner. The liner and shell are configured so that the first chamber receives hydraulic fluid from and delivers hydraulic fluid through an opening in the liner and the shell as the bellows assembly expands and compresses due to pressurized gas in the second chamber balancing fluid pressure changes in the first chamber. In one embodiment, the metal bellows assembly includes hydroformed bellows.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a fluid accumulator comprising a wall (2) encompassing a reservoir (1) for receiving the fluid, part of the wall being elastically deformable. The wall (2) of the fluid accumulator comprises a first wall portion (2A) that is made of a first elastically deformable composite, with fibrous reinforcement material applied in a first density, and a second wall portion (2B) that is made of a second composite with fibrous reinforcement material applied in a second density and an elastic deformability that is the same as or different from the elastic deformability of the first wall portion, the density of the fibrous reinfrocement material in the first and second wall portion (2A, 2B) being different.