Actuator Locking Protrusion for Symmetrical Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas spring cylinder locking systems are prone to unlocking due to shocks, are not adaptable to pre-existing cylinders, and suffer from asymmetrical force distribution, leading to safety risks and increased wear, particularly in applications like doors and tents.
Innovation Solution
A guiding and blocking part for gas cylinders featuring a housing for the tube and piston with a protrusion that penetrates into the tube to block the piston, ensuring symmetrical force distribution and preventing buckling, adaptable to any cylindrical dimensions, and capable of locking without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system with a spring and integral part is used to lock the cylinder, then the cylinder can be locked in position, but the system becomes complex, increases manufacturing cost, and reduces reliability due to additional wear-prone components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spring component from the locking system. The locking mechanism relies solely on the geometric relationship between the protrusion on the piston and the recess in the tube, removing the need for elastic elements and reducing component count while maintaining locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the protrusion on the piston and the corresponding recess in the tube. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each element and simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for an integrated spring mechanism.
2Strength
If the locking part is integral with the piston to provide structural support, then the piston can withstand forces, but the system becomes less adaptable to pre-existing cylinders and increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is segmented as a separate protrusion element on the piston rather than being integral with the piston body. This allows the protrusion to be added to various piston designs without requiring complete redesign of the piston structure, thereby maintaining adaptability while providing necessary structural support for locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for locking, enables adaptability to different cylinder configurations, and maintains piston strength. This multi-functional element can be implemented on various piston types without requiring integral construction.
3Device complexity
If the force is transmitted entirely through one part to lock the cylinder, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the part becomes weakened and misalignment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses an asymmetrical protrusion-recess geometry where the protrusion on the piston fits into a corresponding recess in the tube. This asymmetrical design distributes the locking force across specific contact surfaces, preventing excessive stress concentration while maintaining mechanism simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission is localized to specific regions through the protrusion-recess interface. The local geometry of the protrusion and recess is optimized to distribute stresses appropriately, with reinforced contact areas that prevent weakening while maintaining overall structural integrity and alignment.
4Ease of operation
If the cylinder allows free movement in relaxed configuration to provide flexibility, then the door can move freely, but the cylinder cannot withstand external forces like wind gusts
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder transitions between two dynamic states: a free movement state during normal operation where the door can move flexibly, and a locked state where the protrusion engages with the recess to resist external forces. This dynamic switching allows the system to provide both flexibility and force resistance as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion is positioned to engage with the tube recess in advance before external forces like wind gusts can cause unwanted movement. This preliminary locking action prevents the cylinder from compressing under external loads, countering the harmful effect before it occurs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a piece (10) for guiding and locking a predetermined gas and/or spring actuator comprising a piston (11) and a tube (12) comprising an axial recess (19) in which the piston can slide, which piece comprises, in a body (13): - a cavity (15) for receiving the tube configured to receive, in its interior, one end of the tube free to slide out of the cavity and - a cavity (16) for receiving the piston, coaxial with the cavity for the tube and in the continuation of the cavity for the tube, configured to receive, in its interior, the piston free to move in translation along the axis (21) common to the cavities; characterised in that it also comprises - on the side of the cavity for receiving the tube, relative to a plane (24) perpendicular to the axis (21) of the cavities and passing through the bottom of the cavity for receiving the tube, a protrusion (14) extending beyond the cavity for receiving the tube, configured to penetrate into the tube.