Fluid-Dynamic Actuating Unit With Self-Retaining Pusher Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating units with self-retaining groups face issues with wear, complex construction, and unreliable maintenance of the open position, especially under varying spatial orientations and significant axial stresses.
Innovation Solution
An actuating unit with an integrated self-retaining group featuring a fluid-dynamic actuator and a pusher element that controls the movement of a second retaining element, allowing for reliable maintenance of the open position without high-pressure requirements, thus preventing sudden and dangerous piston movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin and elastic retaining seat are used as self-retaining elements, then the open position can be maintained, but wear increases and parts need frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin-and-elastic-seat retaining system with a pneumatic/hydraulic pusher element system. The pusher element is actuated by pressurized fluid to maintain the retaining element in its position, eliminating the wear-prone mechanical constraint and release coupling while maintaining reliable position holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a pusher element actuated by pressurized fluid (pneumatic or hydraulic system) to control the retaining element. This fluid-powered mechanism replaces the worn mechanical elastic retention system, providing wear-free actuation while maintaining the open position reliably.
2Adaptability or versatility
If self-retaining elements are mounted outside the actuating unit body, then the open position can be maintained in any orientation, but the overall dimensions of the unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the self-retaining elements and the pusher element actuation system directly into the actuating unit body. The retaining elements are housed within the cylindrical body of the actuator, merging the retention function with the actuation system rather than mounting them separately, thus maintaining compact dimensions while achieving orientation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical body of the actuator serves multiple functions: it houses the piston, contains the retaining elements, and accommodates the pusher element mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external retaining mechanisms, maintaining compact overall dimensions while providing versatile mounting capabilities.
3Reliability
If high-pressure fluid is used to disengage the retaining element, then the open position can be reliably maintained, but sudden piston movement and accidents may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pusher element that is actuated by pressurized fluid to gradually disengage the retaining element before the piston moves significantly. This preliminary action allows controlled release of the retention mechanism, preventing sudden piston movement and associated safety hazards while maintaining reliable open position holding during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher element acts as an intermediary between the pressurized fluid and the retaining element. Instead of the fluid directly causing sudden piston movement, the pusher element mediates the force application, enabling controlled, gradual disengagement of the retention mechanism and safe, controlled piston movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable and safe self-retaining function that maintains the open position of the actuating arm under various conditions, including significant axial stresses, without the need for high-pressure fluid, thus preventing accidents and ensuring controlled movement.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-dynamic actuator (20) configured to control the movement of the closing device (15), the fluid-dynamic actuator (20) comprising a cylindrical body (21) extending between a first head (22) located at a free end of the cylindrical body (21) and a second head (23) for connection to the housing body (11)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuating unit (10) of the articulated lever or cam type comprising an actuator arm (12) rotatable between an open position and a closed operating position; a housing body (11) inside of which a closing device configured to bring the actuator arm (12) into rotation between the open position and the closed operating position is housed, wherein the closing device comprises a mechanism of movement irreversibility configured to trigger when the actuator arm (12) reaches the closed operating position; and a fluid-dynamic actuator (20) configured to control the movement of the closing device, the fluid-dynamic actuator (20) comprising a cylindrical body (21) extending between a first head (22) located at a free end of the cylindrical body (21) and a second head (23) for connection to the housing (11); and a piston translatably housed inside the cylindrical body (21). The piston carries a first retaining element (27) configured to engage a second retaining element (28) housed inside the free head (22), the second retaining element (28) being movable between an engagement position and a position of disengagement from the first retaining element (27). According to the invention, the actuating unit comprises a pusher element (30) configured to move the second retaining element (28) into the disengagement position.