guidance for designing hydraulics systems

Try asking the question at http://forums.hydraulicspneumatics.com/eve/forums ...but please add as much information as you can.

Required movement resolution ...speed of movement ...mass to be moved etc etc.

Regards Woody

There are direct comparisons that can be made between all types of systems, regardless of their media. Electronic circuits have similarities to hydraulic, hydronic, pneumatic, etc. You can use these basics to designt your circuits and systems.

First thing is to identify what exactly you want the circuit or system to accomplish.

1. List the Outputs. (Written)

Then you want to identify what you need to provide to the system to permit and enable its successful accomplishment of #1.

2. List the Known Inputs. (Written)

Then you need to figure out how you are going to transform your inputs into your outputs. This is 'Black Box' thinking...

3. List the equipments that can potentially perform the transformation. If necessary, you may have to learn the function and operation of some components.

4. Evaluate the components listed in #3 comparing their relative functions, costs, availability, maintainability, and other values to find the optimal solution. It doesn't hurt to identify "Ideal" as well as acceptable.

5. Design the circuit/system prototype, and evaluate it to determine if it can deliver the required outputs. Document the testing for comparison against other configurations.

6. If not, improve the design and try again.

7. Document the entire process. If you create a successful system, at some point you will either want to train someone else, or present the system, and it is important to have good data. product literature, bill of materials, schematics, method of assembly, quality considerations, and testing data.

It isn't realistic to think that you can get it right the first time. Continuous Improvement is the only reasonable goal.

Chris