Gas Cylinder Braking Mechanism Using Nested Pneumatic Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas lift cylinders lack a mechanism to provide a gentle braking effect at the end of expansion, resulting in sudden stops and a lack of cushioning, which can be perceived as brusque and of poor mechanical quality.
Innovation Solution
A gas cylinder design incorporating a tubular piece with an interior cavity and an airtight elastic element that compresses gas to decelerate the piston assembly and shaft as it reaches its maximum extension, eliminating the need for external accessories like oil or springs, and allowing adjustable braking force through adjustable end connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gas lift cylinder uses conventional design without braking mechanism, then structure is simple and cost-effective, but piston assembly stops suddenly at maximum extension causing brusque operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular piece with interior cavity is nested within the cylinder body, and the airtight elastic element is nested within the tubular piece. This nested structure allows the braking mechanism to be integrated into the existing cylinder without adding external components, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving smooth braking operation at maximum extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses gas pressure within the cylinder to power the braking mechanism. The airtight elastic element compresses the gas in the interior cavity, utilizing pneumatic pressure to generate the braking force that decelerates the piston assembly smoothly, eliminating the need for mechanical brakes or external damping materials.
2Ease of operation
If gas lift cylinder incorporates rubber stoppers, springs or oil to soften impact, then braking effect is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder's own gas pressure is utilized to power the braking mechanism. The airtight elastic element compresses the gas during piston extension, and the compressed gas automatically provides the braking force without requiring external power sources or additional accessories like springs or oil dampers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical springs or viscous oil dampers, the invention employs pneumatic pressure from the cylinder's gas to create the braking effect. The airtight elastic element acts as a pneumatic spring, compressing the gas and converting kinetic energy into pneumatic pressure for smooth deceleration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gas lift cylinder uses airtight elastic element to compress gas for braking, then braking force is adjustable and cushioning is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The braking force is dynamically adjusted based on the position of the piston assembly and the degree of compression of the airtight elastic element. As the piston approaches maximum extension, the elastic element compresses further, increasing the braking force automatically. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for precise pre-calibration of braking forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking characteristics can be adjusted by changing parameters such as the pre-compression of the airtight elastic element, the volume of the interior cavity, or the pressure of the gas. These parameter changes allow for versatile adjustment of braking force without requiring high manufacturing precision, as the system self-regulates based on operating conditions.
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 design achieves a gentle and cushioned braking effect, reducing the force required to compress the cylinder from its maximum extension and ensuring a smooth expansion process without sharp stops, using simple and cost-effective components with a long lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
at least one airtight elastic element arranged at the end of the neck closest to the second end of the body... said airtight elastic element configured to provide an airtight sealing when this end of the neck penetrates inside the interior cavity... the gas contained in said second chamber can pass through said piston assembly to said interior cavity
Implementation Method 2
the gas in each chamber exerts pressure on the piston assembly, and therefore a force in an opposite direction; a resulting force is produced that tends to move the cylinder in a certain direction
Implementation Method 3
at least one airtight elastic element arranged at the end of the neck closest to the second end of the body
Data Source
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AI summary
Gas lift cylinder (1) including a body (2), a shaft (4) and a piston assembly (3), comprising a neck (33; 40; 50) which moves longitudinally with the piston assembly (3) and which penetrates in a fixed interior cavity (31) of the body (2) in the final stages of the shaft (4) extension with respect to the body (2), thereby isolating a volume of gas, which is compressed as the shaft (4) continues moving, causing an increase in the pressure of the isolated gas, and a cushioning and braking effect on the shaft (4) in the final stages of its extension.