Integrated Cylinder Boot for Steering Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylinder covers for industrial vehicle axles do not adequately protect the cylinder rod from foreign matters and require additional components for steering angle detection, which can get dirty and interfere with debris.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder boot with a contractable body, a rod-side fixing portion, a cylinder-side fixing portion, and a detection portion that includes a flange portion detectable by a sensor, eliminating the need for separate detection objects and reducing component count and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate detection object and detection sensor are provided on the steering knuckle, then steering angle detection is enabled, but the detection components get dirty and interfere with foreign matters such as stones
Solution Approach 1:
The detection portion is integrated into the cylinder boot body, merging the detection function with the protective cover. This eliminates separate detection components that would be exposed to foreign matters, while still enabling steering angle detection through the cylinder rod's extension/contraction movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder boot simultaneously serves as a protective cover for the cylinder rod and as a detection object for steering angle. The detection portion is formed integrally with the cylinder boot body, allowing one component to fulfill multiple functions: protection and detection.
2Measurement precision
If a separate detection object and bracket are added to the steering knuckle, then steering angle detection is achieved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection portion is merged with the cylinder boot body, eliminating the need for separate detection objects and mounting brackets. This integration reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder boot is designed to perform multiple functions: protecting the cylinder rod from foreign matters and serving as a detection object for steering angle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated detection components.
3Device complexity
If a conventional cylinder cover is used instead of a cylinder boot, then the structure is simpler, but the protection of the cylinder rod from foreign matters is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder boot is made of flexible elastic material that can stretch and deform in response to cylinder rod movement while providing comprehensive protection. The boot completely covers the cylinder rod, offering superior protection compared to conventional open-structure cylinder covers.
4Ease of manufacture
If the detection portion is formed separately from the cylinder boot body, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection portion is formed integrally with the cylinder boot body as a unified component. This integration reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through integral forming processes.
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 cylinder boot effectively protects the cylinder rod, serves as a detection object for steering angle, reduces component count, and minimizes interference with foreign matter, enhancing durability and detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The cylinder boot body has a contractable portion that is contractable in response to a stroke of the cylinder rod
Implementation Method 2
The detection portion is displaced in a direction in which the cylinder rod extends or contracts
Data Source
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AI summary
A cylinder boot (50, 70, 80) for an axle of an industrial vehicle includes a cylinder boot body (51), a rod-side fixing portion (52), a cylinder-side fixing portion (53), and a detection portion (54, 81). The cylinder boot (50, 70, 80) covers a cylinder rod (47) of a steering hydraulic cylinder (45). The cylinder boot body (51) has a contractable portion (56) that is contractable in response to a stroke of the cylinder rod (47). The rod-side fixing portion (52) is disposed at one end portion of the cylinder boot body (51) and fixed to a distal end portion (48) of the cylinder rod (47). The cylinder-side fixing portion (53) is disposed at the other end portion of the cylinder boot body (51) and fixed to a cylinder body (46) of the steering hydraulic cylinder (45). The detection portion (54, 81) is displaced in a direction in which the cylinder rod (47) extends or contracts, and is detected by a detection sensor (60) disposed on the beam axle (27).