wangp1283
Automotive
- Oct 19, 2004
- 56
I have a design question.
Here's a basic description of the problem:
Imagine a heavy box on a slope. The mass of the box can vary. But the steepness of the slope is constant. In the application, the box needs to be on different points along the slope at different times. The speed it traverse from one point to another also depends on the situation.
I can probably use an electromechanical actuator or hydraulic actuator to do this task. However, I want it to be lightweight and energy efficient.
Assume negligible friction between the box and the slope. Instead of having an active actuator moving the box up or down, I was wondering if I can use the conservation of energy. Say, use a hydraulic accumulator (or electrical capacitor) that has enough stored energy to propel the box up the slope. Then, the source of the power can simply to drawn from the hydraulic accumulator , with no need for a big power source. Obviously, such a system won't last forever since there are friction. But this can greatly decrease the energy needed since it only has to overcome the friction (which is small).
When the box needs to move down along the incline, the energy can be saved to the accumulator to be used later. The maximum weight box will weigh 5000lbs. Max. Displacement is 5cm. Max speed: 0.1 m/s.
Theroretically, this is possible. But my question is if there is a way to practically control the speed/torque of the box, since the accumulator will be likely a compressed gas type.
Thanks.
Here's a basic description of the problem:
Imagine a heavy box on a slope. The mass of the box can vary. But the steepness of the slope is constant. In the application, the box needs to be on different points along the slope at different times. The speed it traverse from one point to another also depends on the situation.
I can probably use an electromechanical actuator or hydraulic actuator to do this task. However, I want it to be lightweight and energy efficient.
Assume negligible friction between the box and the slope. Instead of having an active actuator moving the box up or down, I was wondering if I can use the conservation of energy. Say, use a hydraulic accumulator (or electrical capacitor) that has enough stored energy to propel the box up the slope. Then, the source of the power can simply to drawn from the hydraulic accumulator , with no need for a big power source. Obviously, such a system won't last forever since there are friction. But this can greatly decrease the energy needed since it only has to overcome the friction (which is small).
When the box needs to move down along the incline, the energy can be saved to the accumulator to be used later. The maximum weight box will weigh 5000lbs. Max. Displacement is 5cm. Max speed: 0.1 m/s.
Theroretically, this is possible. But my question is if there is a way to practically control the speed/torque of the box, since the accumulator will be likely a compressed gas type.
Thanks.