Compact Screw Tensioning with Gear and Hydraulic Force Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw tensioning devices require a compact design while maintaining high pulling force multiplication, often resulting in an elongated overall design due to the need for a small piston portion with a large fluid storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a gear unit that transforms input torque into a higher output torque, combined with a hydraulically actuated system using a piston and volume portions with different effective cross-sections to achieve tensioning and loosening of connecting elements, allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a small piston portion with large fluid storage capacity is used to achieve high pulling force multiplication, then the pulling force is sufficiently high, but the device becomes elongated in overall design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the piston portion inside the fixation element, which itself is movable relative to the support element. The piston portion with fluid storage capacity is contained within the fixation element's internal cavity, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are housed within larger ones. This nested arrangement achieves high pulling force multiplication through the hydraulic mechanism while maintaining a compact overall device length, as the fluid storage capacity is integrated within the existing structural volume rather than requiring additional external space.
2Force
If a hydraulic system with different effective base areas is used to multiply actuating force, then the pulling force is higher, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation element serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component that engages with the connecting element, provides a movable connection relative to the support element, contains the piston portion with fluid storage capacity, and defines the effective base area for hydraulic force multiplication. By making the fixation element multi-functional, the patent achieves high pulling force through hydraulic multiplication without adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the piston portion and fluid storage capacity into the fixation element structure. The fixation element's internal cavity houses the piston portion, and the fluid volume is contained within the space defined by the piston portion and fixation element walls. This merging of components achieves the hydraulic force multiplication effect while minimizing the number of separate parts, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 device effectively applies a higher tensioning force with a more compact design, enabling efficient tensioning and loosening of connecting elements without the need for an elongated structure, suitable for applications in steel constructions and engine design.
Implementation Method 1
a gear unit configured to transform an input torque applied to a transmission input element into an output torque applied to the actuating element which absolute value is higher compared to the input torque
Implementation Method 2
An effective base area of the piston portion is smaller than an effective base area of the effective portion... By this configuration, the actuating force applied onto the piston is hydraulically transformed into a force acting on the fixation element which is higher compared to that one acting on the piston
Implementation Method 3
a piston is provided which is accommodated and movable within the fixation element along a longitudinal axis of the device... a movement thereof relative to the fixation element manipulates the volume and thereby translationally actuates the fixation element relative to the support element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a device for tensioning a connecting element fastened to a component to be tightened. The device comprises an engagement element connectable to the connecting element, and an actuating unit for translating a rotational movement applied to an actuating element into a translational movement of the engagement element relative to the component. Further, the device comprises a gear unit configured to transform an input torque applied to a transmission input element into an output torque applied to the actuating element which absolute value is higher compared to the input torque.