Adjustable Assistance Cylinder for Stable Underground Access Lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access devices for underground facilities with mechanical opening assistance cylinders exhibit variability in response to load changes due to dispersion in parameters such as lid weight, kinematics, and mechanical characteristics, leading to 'bounce' phenomena and potential premature wear.
Innovation Solution
A device for accessing underground facilities featuring a mechanical cylinder with an adjustable head and a mechanism for adjusting the longitudinal position of the head relative to the cylinder body, allowing for fine-tuning of the cylinder's length and the force it applies, thereby adapting the response to external loads and compensating for manufacturing dispersions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical cylinder with fixed parameters is used, then the device structure is simple, but the response to load variations is inconsistent due to manufacturing dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cylinder length adjustable. The cylinder includes an adjustable head that can be positioned at different longitudinal locations along the cylinder body, allowing the effective length of the cylinder to be dynamically changed. This enables adaptation to different load conditions and compensates for manufacturing dispersions, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and consistent response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the cylinder length parameter to be adjusted. The adjustable head can be positioned at different locations, changing the effective length parameter of the cylinder. This parameter adjustment compensates for manufacturing variations and adapts the cylinder response to different load conditions, improving reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cylinder length is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the bounce phenomenon occurs under varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable head mechanism allows the cylinder length to be modified after manufacturing. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates bounce phenomena by enabling optimization of the cylinder characteristics for specific installation conditions and load variations, without complicating the basic manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing an adjustable head that can be positioned optimally during installation or maintenance. This allows the cylinder to be pre-adjusted to compensate for manufacturing dispersions before actual use, preventing bounce phenomena without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Ease of operation
If a gas cylinder is used, then the opening assistance function is achieved, but the service life is short compared to the desired duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas cylinder (pneumatic system) with a mechanical cylinder using a spring mechanism. This substitution eliminates the service life limitations of gas cylinders while maintaining the opening assistance function. The mechanical spring-based system provides durable, long-lasting operation without the degradation issues associated with gas cylinders.
4Productivity
If mass production processes are used, then the production cost is reduced, but parameter dispersion increases leading to inconsistent device behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable head allows for preliminary adjustment during installation to compensate for manufacturing dispersions. This maintains the benefits of mass production while achieving consistent device behavior through post-manufacturing adjustment, without requiring more precise or slower manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling adjustment of the cylinder effective length after manufacturing. This allows compensation for parameter dispersions introduced by mass production processes, achieving consistent device behavior while maintaining high productivity and low production costs.
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 adjustable mechanism allows for precise control of the force applied by the cylinder, eliminating bounce phenomena and enabling a stable semi-open position of the lid, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the access device.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical cylinder with a helical spring extending according to a so-called longitudinal direction... the helical spring tending to bring the body of the cylinder into the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for accessing an underground facility, including a frame forming an opening and a lid pivotally mounted relative to the frame. The device includes a mechanical cylinder with a helical spring, the cylinder including a body which can vary in length according to a longitudinal force which is applied thereto. The device is configured so that the cylinder assists the passage of the lid from the closed position to the open position and exerts on the lid a force opposing closure thereof during passage thereof from the open position to its closed position. The cylinder includes an adjustable head connected to one end of the body of the cylinder and a mechanism for adjusting the longitudinal position of the adjustable head with respect to the body of the cylinder. Also disclosed is a method for installing such an access device.