Hydraulic Actuator Cable Rod Sealing Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators face challenges in preventing fluid leakage while ensuring a sufficient operational range, particularly in hydraulic or pneumatic systems, due to limitations in sealing mechanisms and increased friction leading to wear and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed actuator design features a cylinder with a fluid-filled inner portion, a piston, and a sealing member with fixed ends to the piston and front cover, along with an operation member that moves within the sealing member, reducing direct contact and friction, and using a cable instead of a rod to enhance operational range and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rod reciprocates while being in continuous frictional contact with a sealing member to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid sealing is improved, but the surface of the rod must be smoothly processed which increases processing costs and the sealing member wears due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by making the sealing member movable rather than stationary, and the rod surface less smooth. The sealing member is configured to move together with the rod during reciprocation, eliminating the need for a smoothly processed rod surface while maintaining effective sealing through the movable seal's continuous contact with the rod.
2Force
If a cylinder-type actuator is used to provide large output force, then force output is improved, but the operation range is restricted requiring a complicated link mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sealing member movable rather than stationary, allowing it to move together with the rod during reciprocation. This dynamic configuration enables the actuator to achieve a larger operation range without requiring additional link mechanisms, as the movable seal accommodates the extended motion range while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the number of movements of the cable is increased due to long operation time, then operational duration is improved, but the sealing member is worn due to friction causing fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement where the rod surface is made smooth to reduce friction. Instead, the rod surface can be less smooth and the sealing member is made movable, configured to move together with the rod. This inversion reduces wear on the sealing member during prolonged operation while maintaining effective sealing.
4Strength
If the coating applied to the surface of the cable is damaged due to contact and friction with a pulley, then durability is improved initially, but the sealing is not ensured causing fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the sealing member movable rather than stationary. The movable sealing member is configured to move together with the rod, which reduces the relative friction and wear between the cable coating and the sealing member, thereby maintaining both cable durability and sealing effectiveness over time.
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
This configuration effectively blocks fluid leakage, reduces wear on sealing members, saves manufacturing costs, and increases the operational distance compared to conventional systems, while maintaining reliability and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
when a hydraulic pressure is used, a cylinder-type actuator is mainly used
Implementation Method 2
a cylinder having an inner portion filled with a fluid and a front cover for closing a front end portion thereof; a piston displaced inside the cylinder by the fluid
Implementation Method 3
a surface portion of the rod 1002 reciprocates while being in continuous frictional contact with the sealing member 1004
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses the technical problem of providing an actuator which is provided to prevent leakage through a rod in a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder-type actuator, and in which an existing sealing member may be used, and in particular, a cable (wire) may be used as a rod for solving the problem regardless of surface roughness thereof. An actuator for solving the above-mentioned problem in accordance with the present invention includes: a cylinder having an inner portion filled with a fluid and a front cover for closing a front end portion thereof; a piston displaced inside the cylinder by the fluid; a sealing member having one end portion fixed to the piston and the other end portion fixed to the front cover; and an operation member inserted in the sealing member and having one end portion fixed to the piston and the other end portion extending out of the front cover. In the present invention, due to the above-mentioned configuration, the sealing of a fluid (f) is already achieved by the sealing member, and thus, the operation member serves a moving function if only slipping relative to the sealing member in the sealing member. Accordingly, a rod or a cable does not need to move while being in close contact with the sealing member. Therefore, as in conventional arts, the present invention has merits in that a remarkable improvement is achieved in terms of wear of the sealing member, and it is not necessary to smoothly and precisely process the rod and to smoothly and hardly coat the cable.