Fluid Pressure Lock Mechanism with Radial Ball Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pressure-operated lock mechanisms for pistons in cylinder apparatuses experience reliability and durability issues due to abrasion and permanent set in the elastic buffer materials, leading to unstable retaining forces over time.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism featuring a holder with metal balls and a displacement member that converts the resilient force of an elastic member into a radial force to engage with a lock pin, providing stable and reliable piston displacement restriction without direct contact and abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic buffer is used to retain the retaining section, then the lock mechanism can provide initial retaining force, but the retaining force becomes unstable over time due to abrasion and permanent set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lock pin as an intermediary component that transfers the retaining force from the piston to the buffer. The lock pin acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the piston and buffer, thereby eliminating abrasion and permanent set while maintaining reliable retaining force over extended service life.
2Device complexity
If direct contact between retaining section and buffer is used, then the structure is simple, but abrasion occurs leading to reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin serves as a mediator component that prevents direct contact between the retaining section and buffer. This intermediary element transfers forces without abrasion, significantly improving durability while adding only minimal structural complexity to the lock mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If elastic buffer material is used, then the buffer can expand diametrally to retain the retaining section, but permanent set and settling occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin acts as an intermediary that eliminates direct contact between the retaining section and buffer, preventing permanent set and settling of the buffer material. This maintains the stability of buffer material properties and ensures consistent retaining functionality throughout the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact system with a lock pin-based intermediary system. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical interaction causing permanent set and settling, while preserving the diametral expansion functionality of the elastic buffer for retaining operations.
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 ensures consistent and durable retention of the piston, maintaining a stable retaining force over extended periods, reducing maintenance needs and preventing the degradation seen in traditional elastic buffer-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement member (38) which is displaceable in an axial direction by means of a resilient force of the elastic member (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A lock mechanism is provided in a head cover of a cylinder tube. The lock mechanism comprises a holder, which is installed in the head cover, a plurality of balls that are retained displaceably in a radial direction with respect to the holder, and a displacement member that displaces the balls under a resilient action of an elastic member. The balls engage with a ball groove of a lock pin. The balls are retained by a resilient force of the elastic member, in order to restrict displacement of the lock pin.