Cylinder Device with Compressive Force Multiplier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylinder devices with force multipliers are bulky due to the need for a robust structure to support claw members and a tall housing with thick partition walls, which increases the device's size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The cylinder device configures a lock chamber between the first and second pistons, allowing pressurized fluid to push the pistons away from each other, reversing the force to be transmitted compressively through a force multiplier, eliminating the need for a thick partition wall and enabling a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If claw members are swingably supported by the housing to withstand great reaction force during force multiplication driving, then the locking force is sufficient, but the support structure becomes big and results in a bulky cylinder device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force transmission approach by using a force multiplier that generates compressive reaction force on the housing instead of tensile force. The wedge-shaped pressing surface of the second piston presses the engaging members radially inward against the outer peripheral surface of the output rod, converting the upward pulling force into a downward compressive force that the housing can withstand with a simpler, more compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the directional parameter of the reaction force from tensile (upward pulling) to compressive (downward pressing). By orienting the wedge-shaped pressing surface to press downward, the reaction force is transmitted compressively to the housing, allowing for a more compact support structure without compromising locking capability.
2Reliability
If compartmentalization of the first release chamber and second lock chamber is implemented, then the chambers are properly separated, but a thick partition wall is required which makes the housing tall and results in an even bulkier cylinder device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first release chamber and second lock chamber into a single integrated chamber space. The pistons are positioned within this shared chamber, eliminating the need for a thick partition wall between them. This integration maintains proper chamber functionality while significantly reducing the overall housing height and device bulk.
3Reliability
If a robust structure with swingable claw members is used to handle the reaction force, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the support structure by inverting the force direction. Instead of requiring complex swingable claw members to withstand upward tensile forces, the design uses fixed engaging members that are pressed downward by the wedge-shaped surface. This converts the loading condition to compression, which the housing can handle with a simpler, more reliable 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
This configuration allows for a smaller-sized cylinder device with reduced height, as the reaction force is managed through compressive structures, eliminating the need for a robust tensile support and thick partition walls, resulting in a more compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a lock chamber (25) arranged between the first piston (21) and the second piston (22), into and out of which a pressurized fluid is supplied and discharged so that the first piston (21) and the second piston (22) are pushed in such directions as to be away from each other
Implementation Method 2
the force multiplier (36) reverses a force with which a pressurized fluid supplied into the lock chamber (25) pushes the second piston (22) in a direction away from the first piston (21) and then transmits the reversed force in a force-multiplying manner to the output rod (2)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
An output rod (2) is inserted in a housing (1) so as to be movable vertically. A first piston (21) inserted in an upper part of the housing (1) is fixed to the output rod (2), and a second piston (22) inserted in a lower part of the housing (1) is fitted on the output rod (2) so as to be movable vertically. A lock chamber (25) is arranged between the first piston (21) and the second piston (22), and a first release chamber (31) and a second release chamber (32) are arranged above the first piston (21) and below the second piston (22), respectively. Supply of a pressurized fluid into the lock chamber (25) in lock driving of the output rod (2) first causes the first piston (21) to be driven upward to drive the output rod (2) upward, and then causes the second piston (22) to be driven downward to drive the output rod (2) upward in a force-multiplying manner via a force multiplier (36).