Fluid Pressure Cylinder Valve Mechanism for Compact Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pressure cylinders used in clamp devices face challenges in compact design and reliable position detection of output members due to external detection spaces and potential air passage blockages, which affect durability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an opening/closing valve mechanism within the cylinder main body, utilizing a valve body, valve seat, fluid pressure introduction chamber, and fluid pressure introduction passage, allows for compact design and reliable position detection by shifting the valve body based on fluid pressure changes, maintaining open or closed states until the output member reaches a prescribed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position detection is performed using external sensors and detection spaces, then position detection capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position detection function with the existing cylinder structure by utilizing the valve mechanism that is already integrated into the cylinder main body. The valve body's position directly indicates the output member's position, eliminating the need for separate external detection sensors and spaces, thus maintaining compact device size while achieving reliable position detection.
2Measurement precision
If air passage is opened for position detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the valve body as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: it controls the fluid passage and simultaneously indicates the output member's position. By detecting the valve body's position through the fluid pressure changes in the sealed passage, the system achieves accurate position detection without exposing the air passage to external contaminants that could cause blockage.
3Volume of moving object
If valve mechanism is integrated within cylinder main body, then device compactness is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to the valve mechanism by making it serve both as a fluid control device and as a position indication device. The valve body's movement in response to output member position changes provides direct positional information without requiring additional components, thereby achieving compact integration without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
4Reliability
If valve body is shifted by output member for position detection, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluid pressure as a feedback mechanism to indicate the valve body's position. The fluid pressure changes in response to the valve body's position, which in turn reflects the output member's position. This feedback loop provides reliable position detection that compensates for minor manufacturing variations in the valve body's positioning, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
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 solution enables a more compact and durable fluid pressure cylinder that reliably detects the position of the output member by utilizing fluid pressure to maintain the valve mechanism's state and change it over when the output member reaches a prescribed position, enhancing the clamp device's reliability and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
by shifting the valve body based on fluid pressure changes, maintaining open or closed states until the output member reaches a prescribed position
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fluid cylinder and clamp device capable of reliably detecting through changes in air pressure in an air passage within a main clamp the arrival of an output member at a prescribed position, and that have outstanding reliability and durability and that can be miniaturized. [Solution] In the present invention the following are provided: an air passage formed within the main cylinder of a hydraulic cylinder, where one end of the air passage is supplied with pressurized air and the other end is in communication with the outside; and an opening / closing valve mechanism that can open the air passage. The opening / closing valve mechanism is provided with the following: a valve mounted so that the valve can be moved forward and backward, one end of which projects into a hydraulic chamber; a valve seat with which the valve can come into contact; an hydraulic pressure introduction chamber that maintains the valve in a state in which the valve is made to advance toward an output member by means of the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber; and an hydraulic pressure introduction path that brings the hydraulic chamber into communication with the hydraulic pressure introduction chamber. When the output member arrives at a prescribed position, the valve is shifted by the output member to switch the open or closed state of the opening / closing valve mechanism, making it possible to detect that the output member has arrived at the prescribed position on the basis of the air pressure in the air passage.