Coupling Device Locking Piston Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for machine arrangements in sheet metal processing are not space-efficient and lack effective mechanisms for ensuring the secure connection and monitoring of coupling elements, especially in automated and unmanned operations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a locking piston and position detection system, where the locking piston is guided within a locking cylinder and sealed to maintain internal pressure, allowing for secure coupling and remote monitoring of the coupling state, and a reset mechanism for releasing the coupling state, utilizing a prestressed spring and wedge gear for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling device with locking piston and position detection system is implemented, then reliability of coupling state monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking piston and the position detection system into a single integrated component. The locking piston itself serves as the detection element, with its position directly indicating the coupling state. This merging eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms while maintaining reliable monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking piston performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical locking action to secure the coupling elements, and it serves as the position detection element that indicates whether the coupling is properly established. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If coupling elements are securely locked with monitoring capability, then reliability of connection is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position detection system is nested within the locking piston structure. The detection elements are housed inside the locking piston, which itself is contained within the coupling projection. This nesting arrangement allows the monitoring functionality to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the coupling device.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the locking and detection functions into the same component, the patent eliminates the need for additional space-consuming separate detection mechanisms. The integrated design achieves reliable connection security while minimizing the volume occupied by the coupling device.
3Ease of operation
If automated position verification is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piston automatically provides position verification through its own position. The detection system reads the position of the locking piston directly, eliminating the need for complex external verification systems. The system essentially verifies itself through the inherent position information of the locking element.
Solution Approach 2:
The position detection system provides immediate feedback about the coupling state by monitoring the locking piston position. This feedback mechanism enables automated verification of the coupling establishment, allowing the system to confirm proper connection without manual intervention while keeping the control system relatively simple.
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
Ensures reliable and space-efficient secure coupling and monitoring of coupling elements, enabling automated and unmanned operation by verifying the locking status and maintaining the coupling state, while allowing for easy release and minimizing design complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a prestressed spring (10) acting upon the locking piston (8) in the direction of movement of the locking piston (8)
Implementation Method 2
a wedge gear (45) with at least one wedge surface (451) inclined against the direction of movement of the locking piston (8), by means of which a movement of the locking piston (8) into the locking position (8a) is converted into a movement of the coupling element (26) into the coupled position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A coupling device (1) for connecting two components of a machine arrangement for workpiece processing, particularly for sheet metal processing, has a coupling receptacle (5) assigned to one of the two components and a coupling projection (4) assigned to the other component, which engages in the coupling receptacle (5). Coupling elements can be switched into a coupling state by means of a switching device, in which the two components are fixed to one another via the coupling elements. A locking device can be switched into a locking state, in which the locking device secures the coupling elements switched into the coupling state against leaving the coupling state. The locking device has a locking element (8) which is movable into a locking position corresponding to the locking state of the locking device.A position detection device (42) is provided for the locking element (8) of the locking device, by means of which it can be determined whether the locking element (8) is moved into the locking position or not.