Coaxial Hydraulic Locking Layout for Space-Constrained Restraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic locking devices for amusement ride restraining systems are bulky and complex, with orientation restrictions due to the side-by-side arrangement of the cylinder-piston and hydraulic accumulator, limiting their flexibility and assembly in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact hydraulic device where the accumulator surrounds the cylindrical chamber of the cylinder-piston, with a coaxial configuration and integrated hydraulic circuit, allowing for a more compact and flexible design that can be mounted without spatial orientation constraints, featuring an electrovalve for controlled fluid interception to lock the piston in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic accumulator and cylinder-piston are arranged side-by-side, then the device can perform locking and unlocking functions, but the device becomes bulky and has orientation restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the cylinder-piston assembly inside the hydraulic accumulator chamber. The piston rod extends through the accumulator piston, and the cylinder-piston components are housed within the accumulator's internal space. This nested configuration eliminates the need for side-by-side arrangement, significantly reducing the device's external volume while maintaining both locking and unlocking functions through the integrated hydraulic circuit.
2Reliability
If the hydraulic accumulator and cylinder-piston are arranged side-by-side, then the device can perform locking and unlocking functions, but the device has orientation restrictions for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration where the cylinder-piston is housed within the accumulator chamber creates a radially symmetric structure that can be installed from any orientation. The coaxial arrangement of components allows the device to be mounted vertically, horizontally, or at any angle without affecting its locking function, thereby eliminating orientation restrictions and improving assembly flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the connection interfaces and mounting features to accommodate various installation orientations. The electrovalve and hydraulic circuit connections are designed with flexible mounting options that allow the device to be installed in different spatial configurations, further enhancing adaptability while maintaining the nested compact structure.
3Reliability
If the hydraulic accumulator and cylinder-piston are arranged side-by-side, then the device can perform locking and unlocking functions, but the hydraulic circuit becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic circuit components by integrating the accumulator and cylinder-piston into a single nested assembly. The hydraulic fluid passages are combined into a unified circuit that shares common chambers and connection points. The electrovalve controls fluid flow between the integrated components through consolidated passages, eliminating the need for separate complex piping that would be required for side-by-side arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the accumulator chamber houses both the hydraulic fluid storage and the cylinder-piston assembly, the piston rod provides both mechanical linkage and fluid passage, and the electrovalve controls both locking and unlocking operations. This multi-functionality reduces the overall circuit complexity by eliminating redundant components and pathways.
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 compact design enhances the flexibility and ease of assembly in confined spaces, providing efficient locking and unlocking mechanisms for passenger restraining systems while maintaining a compact volume and simplified hydraulic circuit.
Implementation Method 1
The locking position is operated thanks to the fact that the hydraulic fluid (preferably oil) is sealingly locked into a work chamber of the cylinder-piston
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic accumulator stores the hydraulic fluid under pressure, while, when desiring to allow the opening of the element restraining the passenger, the fluid present in the accumulator contributes to the opening of the restraining element by flowing in the reverse direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention concerns a hydraulic device 1 for locking an element 200 connected to such device, preferably for locking a restraining element for restraining a passenger on an amusement ride, the hydraulic device comprising; - a cylinder-piston 1a having a cylindrical chamber 10 and a piston 12 adapted to slide inside the cylindrical chamber 10 and defining a first and a second portion 10', 10" of the cylindrical chamber 10, - an accumulator 100, - a hydraulic circuit 22 which fluidly connects the first portion 10' and the second portion 10" of the cylindrical chamber 10 of the cylinder-piston 1a and which further fluidly connects the accumulator 100 with at least one of the first portion 10' and the second portion 10" of the cylindrical chamber 10, - intercepting means 30, 32 for intercepting the passage of fluid in the hydraulic circuit, which can be controlled such as to reach at least one locking position in which the sliding of the piston 12 inside the cylindrical chamber 10 is prevented in at least one direction, the device 1 being characterized in that the accumulator 100 comprises a chamber 20 surrounding the cylindrical chamber 10 of the cylinder-piston 1a.