Fluid Linear Motor Cushioning via Integrated Closure Member

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid-actuated linear drives with end position damping devices require complex and costly manufacturing processes, particularly in creating throttle channels, which increases production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A cup-shaped closure member with a perforated sleeve-like side wall and a sealing lip, where the throttle channel is integrated directly into the closure member, allowing for a compact design and simplified production by eliminating the need for throttle ducts in the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If longitudinal grooves are formed in the housing wall to create throttle channels, then end position damping is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend position dampingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closure member integrates multiple functions: it seals the control channel opening, provides the throttle channel through its wall structure, and supports the sealing lip. By combining these functions into a single component rather than separate housing features, the invention reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining damping functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure member acts as an intermediary component between the drive unit and the housing, carrying the throttle function on its own structure rather than requiring complex modifications to the housing wall. This mediator approach simplifies the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a separate closure member with integrated throttle channel is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but device complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidcomponent structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs sealing, throttling, and structural support functions. This universality reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure despite the increased sophistication of the individual closure member

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure member is designed as a separable component that can be independently manufactured and assembled onto the drive unit. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the closure member using cost-effective methods while keeping the rest of the system simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 cost-effective and efficient production of linear drives with end position damping, allowing for compact dimensions and easy retrofitting of existing systems, while maintaining effective damping performance.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing lip interacts in a sealing manner with the wall of the control channel by means of a sealing surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

at least one throttle channel formed in the closure member, which during the damping phase provides a throttled fluid connection between the first working chamber and the control channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrottling:

Implementation Method 3

the closure member can immerse during the damping phase in such a way that the sealing lip interacts in a sealing manner with the wall of the control channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBlocking:

Implementation Method 4

a drive piston arranged inside the housing and dividing two working chambers from one another there

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSeparation:

Data Source

PatentEP2455620B1Fluid operated linear motor with cushioning means
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP2455620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2455620B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2455620B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The drive (1) has a drive unit (14) comprising a drive piston (12), and an end position damping device (35) comprising a locking unit with a sealing lip (45). The damping device has a throttle channel (52) that provides a fluid connection between a working chamber (22) and a control channel (28). The locking unit has base and side walls (42, 43). The side wall is locally broken for forming the throttle channel, and forms a supporting section (55) that encloses an inner area that is opened on a front side turned away from the piston. A throttle channel aperture runs into the inner area.