Cylinder Rod Head Cap with Radial Projections for Cover Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylinder apparatus, such as hydraulic shock absorbers, face challenges in stably securing a protecting cover to a piston rod while achieving weight savings and reducing production costs, as they require a long axial dimension for the head cap, increasing weight and production costs due to deep drawing processes.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder apparatus with a plate-shaped head cap featuring circumferentially spaced projections that increase the axial dimension over which the protecting cover clamps the head cap, allowing stable and reliable securing without increasing the head cap's thickness, and enabling weight savings and reduced production costs through alternative forming methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the axial dimension of the head cap is increased to stably secure the protecting cover, then the securing stability is improved, but the weight and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from increasing axial dimension (length) to utilizing radial projections (shape modification). The projections extend radially outward from the head cap body, creating additional clampable surfaces in the radial direction while maintaining the same axial thickness. This dimensional shift allows the protecting cover to be securely clamped without increasing the head cap's axial dimension, thereby avoiding weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by adding projections only at specific locations where clamping is needed, rather than uniformly increasing the entire head cap dimensions. The projections are strategically positioned on the outer peripheral portion of the head cap to provide localized clampable surfaces, maintaining overall weight efficiency while achieving secure protecting cover attachment.
2Reliability
If the axial dimension of the head cap is increased to stably secure the protecting cover, then the securing stability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention avoids expensive deep drawing processes by using radial projections instead of increasing axial dimension. The projections can be formed through simpler stamping or extrusion techniques, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the same securing stability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The localized projections require minimal additional material and processing compared to uniformly thickening the entire head cap. This localized approach reduces both material costs and manufacturing complexity, making the production process more economical while maintaining securing stability.
3Reliability
If the plate thickness of the head cap is increased to provide sufficient axial dimension for clamping, then the securing stability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the approach from increasing thickness (axial dimension) to adding radial projections. The clampable surfaces are created by projections extending in the radial direction, allowing the protecting cover to be securely clamped without increasing the head cap's plate thickness, thereby maintaining weight efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than uniformly increasing plate thickness throughout the head cap, the invention adds material only in the form of localized projections where clamping is required. This selective material addition provides sufficient axial dimension for clamping at specific locations while keeping the overall plate thickness and weight low.
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 solution allows for stable and reliable securing of the protecting cover to the rod, achieving weight savings and reduced production costs by increasing the axial contact area independently of the head cap's thickness, and enhancing durability through dispersed stress distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The protecting cover is provided with clamp portions that axially clamp the outer peripheral portion of the head cap
Implementation Method 2
The head cap is provided with circumferentially spaced projections projecting toward the cylinder, so that the axial dimension over which the head cap is clamped by the clamp portions is larger than the plate thickness of the head cap
Data Source
AI summary
A cylinder apparatus includes a cylinder and a rod contractibly extending from the cylinder. A cylindrical protecting cover is secured to the rod to cover the rod and the cylinder. The rod has a plate-shaped head cap secured thereto. The protecting cover is provided with clamp portions that axially clamp the outer peripheral portion of the head cap. The head cap is provided with circumferentially spaced projections projecting toward the cylinder, so that the axial dimension over which the head cap is clamped by the clamp portions is larger than the plate thickness of the head cap.