Hydraulic Cylinder Position Detection Device with Sealed Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position detection devices for hydraulic systems are complex, expensive, and require non-standard electrical connectors, limiting their compatibility with hydraulic fluid and actuation circuits, and often necessitate the use of relays, which complicates their integration and application.
Innovation Solution
A detection device integrated into a hydraulic cylinder with a movable contact interface and conductors that connect to an electric circuit through standardized connectors, featuring a sealing system to prevent fluid exchange and ensure electrical insulation, allowing for detection of the stroke of moving parts without the need for relays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contact detection devices are used in hydraulic systems, then detection function is achieved, but compatibility with hydraulic fluid and electrical connectors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is segmented into separate functional zones: a first portion exposed to hydraulic fluid containing the contact interface, and a second portion isolated from fluid containing the electrical connectors. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and connector compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A watertight partitioning surface acts as an intermediary barrier between the hydraulic fluid environment and the electrical circuit environment. This intermediary allows the device to interface with both hydraulic and electrical systems while preventing harmful interactions, thereby achieving both detection reliability and broad compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If detection devices involve electrical contact with moving parts, then position detection is achieved, but device complexity increases due to relay requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the detection function and the electrical connection function into a single integrated unit. The contactor directly connects the moving contact interface to standardized electrical connectors without requiring external relays or complex intermediate circuits, thereby achieving precise position detection while minimizing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized electrical connectors are used, then ease of installation and compatibility is improved, but sealing against hydraulic fluid becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device body is segmented by a watertight partitioning surface that separates the fluid-exposed first portion from the connector-housed second portion. This segmentation enables standardized connectors to be used in the sealed second portion without compromising hydraulic sealing, as the partition prevents fluid access to the connector area.
Solution Approach 2:
The watertight partitioning surface serves as an intermediary barrier that allows standardized electrical connectors to be installed in the second portion while maintaining hydraulic sealing. The partition mediates between the requirements for easy connector installation and the requirements for reliable fluid sealing.
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 provides a cost-effective, compatible, and reliable position detection system for hydraulic mechanisms, enabling standardized electrical connections and preventing fluid exchange, thus enhancing the usability and efficiency of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first sealing system mounted at the level of a housing inside the second portion of the body of the device, configured to avoid any exchange of fluid between, on the one hand, the medium of the element detected at the level of the first end of the body of the device and, on the other hand, a second medium at the level of the second end of the body of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detection device characterized in that it comprises: - a body (1) defining two portions, - a contact interface (2) with a detected element, movable in translation in the first portion (1a) of the body (1), - at least two conductors (4a, 4b) in the second portion (1b) to form connection pins (4a', 4b') to an electrical circuit and terminals (4a", 4b") to interact with a contactor (7) moved under the action of the contact interface (2) and a return means (8) in opposition, - a sealing system (9) to prevent any exchange of fluid between the medium of the detected element and a second medium at the level of the second portion (1b) of the body of the device, this sealing system (9) being traversed by the two conductors (4a, 4b).