Pressure shifted and displacement adjusted valve timing

Methods for adjusting hydraulic pump/motor valve timing.

Technology No. 2021-043

IP Status: Provisional Patent Application Filed; Application #: 63/076,645

Applications

Hydraulic pumps and motors

Technology Overview

All hydraulic motors and many hydraulic pumps require active valves to control flow entering and exiting the fluid chambers of the machine. Poorly designed valve timing and area profiles can cause a substantial decrease in efficiency due to throttling losses. In addition, the energy lost due to throttling is absorbed by the working fluid, raising the temperature of the fluid and requiring a larger cooling system.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed new methods for optimizing valve timing of a hydraulic actuator/motor. This technology includes two different approaches: a pressure shifted valve timing approach, and a displacement adjusted valve timing approach. Both of these methods for changing valve timings allow for fully mechanical valve actuation, which is a more reliable method than electrical actuation.This technology offers a variety of methods to actuate the adjustable valve timing including hydraulic rotary actuators (vane or screw type), linear actuators, or electric motors coupled to gear drives. A key advantage of this technology is that the valve timing can be created using a fixed geometry, such as a simple valve plate (that is low cost), and the variability comes from angularly adjusting that fixed geometry. Other advantages include: Improved efficiency Reduced noise Higher reliability Simple implementation

Phase of Development

TRL: 2-3
Proof of concept/simulation

Desired Partnerships

This technology is now available for:

License
Sponsored research
Co-development

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Licensing Terms

MN-IP Try and Buy Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP) Try and Buy – Available to CCEFP member companies
Try Trial period is up to 12 months Trial fee is $0; In place of Try fee, a business plan for the Try period is required No US patent fees during Try period¹
Buy In place of a conversion fee, a post-Try period business plan is required² First $1M cumulative sales are royalty-free Sublicense freely Royalty rate: 2% of Net Sales Patent(s) expenses paid by licensee Qualified startups: 5% of equity of startup is allocated to University at formation³
Please contact us for detailed term sheet for a Try & Buy agreement as well as guidelines for Try¹ and post-Try period² business plans as well as qualified startups³

Researchers

James Donald Van de Ven, PhD Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Thomas R. Chase, PhD Professor, Mechanical Engineering

References (1)
1. Boyce-Erickson, Grey C., Thomas R. Chase, and James D. Van de Ven. , Valve Timing and Area Profile Selection for Hydraulic Pumps and Motors, Fluid Power Systems Technology. Vol. 83754. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2020.
Supporting documents (1)

Product brochure

Pressure shifted and displacement adjusted valve timing.pdf

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