초록 ▼

A fluid control or actuation system providing selective recruiting of actuators antagonistic to one another to provide variable output power, such as that used to drive a load. The actuators are intended to comprise different sizes, and to be operable with one or more pressure control valves capable

A fluid control or actuation system providing selective recruiting of actuators antagonistic to one another to provide variable output power, such as that used to drive a load. The actuators are intended to comprise different sizes, and to be operable with one or more pressure control valves capable of providing displacement of a non-recruited actuator without requiring active input to cause such displacement. Being able to selectively recruit different sized actuators to drive the load, and being able to displace non-recruited without active input, effectively incorporates a gearing function into the fluid control system.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 1. A fluid control system adapted to optimize power output for a given operating condition, comprising:a load;a first pair of parallel actuators operating antagonistic to one another, and operable with said load;a second pair of paralle

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 1. A fluid control system adapted to optimize power output for a given operating condition, comprising:a load;a first pair of parallel actuators operating antagonistic to one another, and operable with said load;a second pair of parallel actuators operating antagonistic to one another, and operable with said load, said second pair of parallel actuators comprising a different size than said first pair of parallel actuators;at least one pressure control valve operable with each pair of said first and second pairs of parallel actuators and a pressurized fluid source, wherein said at least one pressure control valve provides a continuously variable pressure to said parallel actuators that facilitates a continuous range of output forces;means for operably coupling said first and second pairs of actuators to said load; anda control algorithm operable to recruit from said first and second pairs of parallel actuators to achieve variable power output, and to separately recruit and actuate either of said first and second pairs of parallel actuators, as well as a combination of said first and second pairs of parallel actuators.