Hydraulic Locking Device with Stationary Piston Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking devices with fluid-filled cylinders and pivoting components often require a large pivoting range, which impedes free access when the second component is pivoted open, and are complex and high-maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The locking device features a push/pull rod arrangement where the piston rod remains largely stationary relative to its component during pivoting, with the cylinder displaced by the push/pull rod but not pivoted, and uses check valve devices actuated by spring force, allowing for a reduced pivoting range and simplified design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cylinder is arranged to pivot with the second component over a large pivoting range, then the locking device can accommodate full door opening movements, but the cylinder and piston rod interfere with free access to the fixed component when the second component is pivoted open
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two independent functional parts: the piston rod remains fixed to the first component while the cylinder pivots with the second component. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently - the piston rod provides stable locking force while the cylinder accommodates the pivoting movement without interfering with access to the first component.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fixing the piston rod to the pivoting second component and having it move with the door, the invention inverts the arrangement by fixing the piston rod to the stationary first component and allowing the cylinder to pivot. This inversion eliminates the interference problem while maintaining the locking function.
2Ease of operation
If a valve device is moved by mechanical operation, then the valve can be actuated, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical valve actuation mechanism with a pressure-based automatic actuation system. The valve device is actuated automatically by the pressure differential between the two working chambers of the hydraulic cylinder, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, or manual actuators. This substitution of mechanical systems with hydraulic pressure control simplifies the overall device structure and reduces maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device operates autonomously based on the pressure conditions within the hydraulic system. When the piston moves, the resulting pressure differential automatically opens or closes the valve without requiring external mechanical actuation, making the system self-regulating and reducing complexity.
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 configuration achieves a significantly reduced pivoting range while maintaining stability and low wear, ensuring easy access and cost-effective manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve device through which, when the pressure in the first working chamber is higher than the pressure in the second working chamber, the first working chamber can be connected to the second working chamber
Implementation Method 2
check valve devices that are acted upon by spring force
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device for stepless locking of a second component pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 2 on a stationary first component. The device comprises a cylinder 6, which is slidably guided transversely to the pivot axis 2 on either the first or the second component and is filled with a fluid. The cylinder 6 is closed at both ends and contains a piston 7 slidably guided within the cylinder, dividing the interior of the cylinder 6 into a first working chamber 8 and a second working chamber 9. The device also includes a first valve assembly through which, at a higher pressure in the first working chamber 8 than in the second working chamber 9, the first working chamber 8 can be connected to the second working chamber 9, and a second valve assembly through which, at a higher pressure in the second working chamber 9 than in the first working chamber 8, the second working chamber 9 can be connected to the first working chamber 8.With a piston rod 10 arranged on the piston 7, which is guided through the first working chamber 8 and sealed to the outside and is attached to the first component with its outwardly projecting free end 11.