The present invention relates to a method and system for optimizing the joint hinge point position of a hydraulic tandem mechanism based on lightweight. The method comprises: determining rotational load characteristics of each joint in the hydraulic tandem mechanism using dynamics simulation software based on said end load characteristics and said structural parameters of the tandem mechanism; establishing a fixed coordinate system between two adjacent rods in each joint and a joint global coordinate system, and determining the relationship between hinge point coordinates, joint rotation angle and joint drive force arm of each joint; calculating linear load characteristics of each joint according to said rotational load characteristics and said joint drive force arm to calculate hydraulic cylinder structural parameters and hydraulic oil source flow rate for each joint; determining a lightweight index for the joint hinge point position of the hydraulic tandem mechanism according to said hydraulic cylinder structural parameters and said hydraulic oil source flow rate; solving the coordinates of each joint hinge point of the tandem mechanism corresponding to the minimum of said lightweight index, using said lightweight index as a fitness function, so that the overall weight of the tandem mechanism is minimized.

A thermal management system includes a first hydraulic system for circulating a first hydraulic fluid at a first temperature and a second hydraulic system for circulating a second hydraulic fluid at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature. The thermal management system also includes a sealed heat transfer device coupled between the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system. The sealed heat transfer device is not in flow communication with either of the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system. The sealed heat transfer device is configured to transfer heat from the second hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic fluid.

A thermal management system includes a first hydraulic system for circulating a first hydraulic fluid at a first temperature and a second hydraulic system for circulating a second hydraulic fluid at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature. The thermal management system also includes a sealed heat transfer device coupled between the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system. The sealed heat transfer device is not in flow communication with either of the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system. The sealed heat transfer device is configured to transfer heat from the second hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic fluid.

An actuation system for a component has a plurality of cylinders. A piston is in operable communication with each of the cylinders and is configured to move at least a portion of the component to a desired position. A plurality of pumps are in fluidic communication with the plurality of cylinders, and are each driven by electric motors. The number of pumps is less than a number of cylinders.

A hydraulic spool valve assembly comprising a housing defining a bore having a longitudinal axis (L), a hydraulic spool valve, a sleeve disposed within the bore and a temperature compensation device disposed between the sleeve and the housing. The hydraulic spool valve having a first end for connection to a drive arm, and an opposing second end disposed within the bore. The sleeve disposed between the hydraulic spool valve and the housing. The temperature compensation device configured to expand in a first longitudinal direction in response to a temperature increase, to oppose movement of the sleeve in an opposing second longitudinal direction caused by the temperature increase.

A hydraulic spool valve assembly comprising a housing defining a bore having a longitudinal axis (L), a hydraulic spool valve, a sleeve disposed within the bore and a temperature compensation device disposed between the sleeve and the housing. The hydraulic spool valve having a first end for connection to a drive arm, and an opposing second end disposed within the bore. The sleeve disposed between the hydraulic spool valve and the housing. The temperature compensation device configured to expand in a first longitudinal direction in response to a temperature increase, to oppose movement of the sleeve in an opposing second longitudinal direction caused by the temperature increase.

A triplex pneumatic architecture system is disclosed having first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems where triplex redundancy may be accomplished by measuring only one particular node in each system, such as a measured current of the servo valve. Each of the first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems are configured to control a separate redundant pneumatic actuation assembly. Each subsystem may comprise a current sensor to measure a control current from a servo driver to a servo valve that controls the pneumatic actuation assembly to output a measured current value, and a dump valve coupled to a relay. Each processor is configured to generate a termination signal to actuate the first relay to open the first dump valve. The triplex pneumatic architecture system further includes a communication bus to communicatively couple each of the first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems. Each processor is configured to generate the termination signal and to communicate the termination signal to one or more of the relays when one measured current value deviates from the two other measured current values by a predetermined error value.

A triplex pneumatic architecture system is disclosed having first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems where triplex redundancy may be accomplished by measuring only one particular node in each system, such as a measured current of the servo valve. Each of the first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems are configured to control a separate redundant pneumatic actuation assembly. Each subsystem may comprise a current sensor to measure a control current from a servo driver to a servo valve that controls the pneumatic actuation assembly to output a measured current value, and a dump valve coupled to a relay. Each processor is configured to generate a termination signal to actuate the first relay to open the first dump valve. The triplex pneumatic architecture system further includes a communication bus to communicatively couple each of the first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems. Each processor is configured to generate the termination signal and to communicate the termination signal to one or more of the relays when one measured current value deviates from the two other measured current values by a predetermined error value.

This disclosure includes manipulating apparatuses and related methods. Some manipulating apparatuses include an actuator having a semi-rigid first segment, a semi-rigid second segment, and one or more flexible cells disposed between the first segment and the second segment, where the actuator is configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that the fluid source can communicate fluid to vary internal pressures of the one or more cells, and where each cell is configured such that adjustments of an internal pressure of the cell causes angular displacement of the second segment relative to the first segment.

This disclosure includes manipulating apparatuses and related methods. Some manipulating apparatuses include an actuator having a semi-rigid first segment, a semi-rigid second segment, and one or more flexible cells disposed between the first segment and the second segment, where the actuator is configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that the fluid source can communicate fluid to vary internal pressures of the one or more cells, and where each cell is configured such that adjustments of an internal pressure of the cell causes angular displacement of the second segment relative to the first segment.