Fast Actuation of Hydraulic Switching Valve by Parametrically Excited Structures

The mathematical model and several design ideas for a new type of hydraulic switching valve are presented. Design goals are extremely high switching frequencies (in the order of 1 kHz), and robust and simple mechanical components and control electronics. The actual flow control element is driven by a parametrically excited elastic structure, in this case a beam. A method that allows an appropriate design of this beam is developed. A first prototype with hydraulic force control was built and its set-up is presented. Several design ideas for future, high speed versions are discussed focusing on piezoceramic actuators, the elastic structure, and the flow control element as key components.