Articulated Coupling for Piston Sealing in Bent-Axis Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing piston sealing device is not suitable for hydraulic pumps and motors with pistons that do not remain permanently parallel to the cylinder, limiting its application to bent-axis hydraulic motors with spherical pistons, which could benefit from improved volumetric and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An articulated coupling is introduced, featuring a ball joint skirt and troncospherical end, allowing the piston sealing device to maintain alignment and sealing contact despite cyclic changes in piston orientation, using a swiveling connection head and sliding-skirt spring to accommodate axial and radial movements, and incorporating articulation means for pivoting and sliding joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the piston sealing device uses a fixed alignment configuration between piston head and sliding skirt, then sealing performance is maintained under axial piston conditions, but the device cannot accommodate pistons that change orientation relative to the cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an articulated coupling mechanism that allows the sliding skirt to dynamically adjust its orientation relative to the piston head. The coupling includes a first articulation between the piston head and a intermediate element, and a second articulation between the intermediate element and the sliding skirt, enabling the system to adapt to varying piston orientations while maintaining sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational degrees of freedom to the traditional axial alignment system. By incorporating articulations that allow rotation around multiple axes, the device transitions from a single-dimensional axial alignment to a multi-dimensional configuration space, enabling accommodation of bent-axis and spherical piston geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the piston sealing device is designed for permanent parallel alignment with the cylinder, then manufacturing and operation are simplified, but application to bent-axis hydraulic motors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated coupling is segmented into distinct functional elements: a piston head articulation component, an intermediate coupling element with first and second articulations, and a sliding skirt connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the needed adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate coupling element serves as a mediator between the piston head and the sliding skirt. It contains the articulation mechanisms that translate and accommodate the orientation changes, allowing the sliding skirt to maintain proper sealing alignment with the cylinder while the piston head follows its non-axial motion path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If articulation means are added to allow piston movement freedom, then versatility increases, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated coupling mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides articulation for non-axial motion, maintains sealing contact between the sliding skirt and cylinder, and accommodates varying pressure conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby controlling manufacturing 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 articulated coupling enables the piston sealing device to maintain energy performance and durability while allowing pistons to move freely relative to the cylinder, increasing the device's applicability to various pumps and motors without significant cost increases, ensuring effective sealing and operation in non-axial configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding skirt spring which tends to bring the sliding skirt closer to the fixed skirt and to compress axially the continuous extensible segment
Implementation Method 2
a ball joint skirt and troncospherical end, allowing the piston sealing device to maintain alignment and sealing contact despite cyclic changes in piston orientation, using a swiveling connection head
Data Source
AI summary
An articulated coupling is provided for a piston sealing device for a piston which includes a fixed skirt and a sliding skirt interconnected by a mechanical inter-skirt connection for axially compressing a continuous extensible segment under the action of a sliding skirt spring, the coupling replacing, on the one hand, the fixed skirt by a ball-joint skirt and providing, on the other hand, a troncospherical piston end which cooperates with a skirt troncospherical bearing surface provided on the ball joint skirt while an articulation unit interposed between the inter-skirt mechanical connection and the piston and/or between the connection and the sliding skirt.