Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras

A System and Method for a Hydraulic Flow Divider

Technology Category/ Market

Category-Hydraulic Systems & Fluid Control

Applications– Hydraulic Machinery

Industry- Heavy Machinery& Construction, Industrial Automation.

Market – Global hydraulic equipment market industry is projected to grow from USD 48 Billion in 2023 to USD 97 Billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 9.1%.

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Problem Statement

  • Hydraulic systems face challenges in synchronizing the extension of different loads, such as piston rods, when subjected to varying pressures.
  • Flow dividers are commonly used to split hydraulic flow into two circuits, typically with a 50:50 flow ratio, but there are limitations in achieving different flow ratios.
  • Existing systems have used uniform auxetic structures for suction and discharge strokes in positive displacement pumps, but they may not address the flow division issue.
  • Therefore, there is a need for a reliable system and method that utilizes graded auxetic structures to create dissimilar suction volumes on both sides of the structure.

Technology

  • The present invention relates to a system and method for hydraulic flow dividers with graded auxetic structures to create dissimilar suction and discharge volumes.

System Components:

  • The system comprises a housing with suction and discharge valves, a graded auxetic structure, a motor, a loading plate, a crank, and a hub.

Functional Innovation:

  • The motor compresses the graded auxetic structure to create suction and then decompresses it to achieve dissimilar fluid flow through multiple discharge valves.

Variable Flow Control:

  • The graded auxetic structure is designed to expand during a tensile stroke and contract during a compression stroke, allowing for precise control of fluid flow.

Multi-Purpose Use:

  • This system serves multiple functions as a pump, flow divider, and mixer, enhancing its versatility in hydraulic applications.

Material Flexibility:

  • The graded auxetic structure can be made from materials like thermoplastic polyurethane or rubber, providing flexibility in material selection for specific needs.

Key Features/ Value Proposition

Market Advantage:

  • Enhanced Flow Control: Variable thickness graded auxetic structure provides precise control over suction and discharge volumes, improving synchronization in hydraulic systems.

Key Features:

  • Dual Functionality: Combines the roles of a pump and a flow divider, optimizing system efficiency.

Cost-Effective Solution:

  • Affordable Manufacturing: Enables the production of cost-effective hydraulic flow dividers suitable for low-pressure and low-flow applications.

Questions about this Technology?

Contact for Licensing

sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in

Research Lab

Prof. Somashekhar S. Hiremath

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Intellectual Property

  • IITM IDF Ref. 2406
  • IN 438019 – Patent Granted

Technology Readiness Level

TRL- 4

Technology validated in lab scale.

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