Integrated Sealing Lock Device for Linear Motion Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock devices for linear motion rods have complex structures and large sizes due to the need for separate storage of operation elements and leakage prevention requirements, which complicates their design and increases size.
Innovation Solution
A lock device with a cylindrically shaped brake member and a lock release piston that uses a taper-shaped expansion member and a sealing operation element integrated into the screw hole, allowing for manual operation and fluid pressure control to lock and unlock the rod, eliminating the need for separate storage of operation elements and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate manual operation bolt and dust-proof cover are provided for unlocking, then the locking function can be manually operated, but the device structure becomes complex and the size increases due to separate storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operation bolt and dust-proof cover are merged into a single integrated cover assembly. The cover serves dual functions: protecting the screw hole when not in use and serving as the manual operation element when threaded in. This eliminates the need for separate storage and reduces structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust-proof cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the screw hole, serves as a manual operation element for unlocking, and provides a sealing function. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If a sealing ring is attached inside the screw hole to prevent pressure fluid leakage, then leakage is prevented, but the screw hole becomes longer and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is moved from the axial dimension (inside the screw hole) to the radial dimension (at the opening of the screw hole). The sealing ring is positioned at the entrance of the screw hole rather than being attached deep inside, preventing leakage without increasing the screw hole length.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is extracted from the interior of the screw hole and repositioned at the opening. This separates the sealing function from the internal structure, allowing the screw hole to remain short while still achieving effective sealing.
3Ease of operation
If the screw hole is formed with surplus length to allow manual operation bolt to be screwed in, then manual operation is enabled, but the lock device body becomes larger in the axial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operation bolt function is merged with the dust-proof cover. The cover itself becomes the manual operation element, eliminating the need for a separate bolt that would require additional axial space.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust-proof cover serves as both a protective element and a manual operation element. When threaded into the screw hole, it performs the unlocking function, eliminating the need for a dedicated manual operation bolt and reducing the required axial length.
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 simplified and compact lock device design that allows for easy manual operation and effective sealing, reducing the size and weight of the lock device while maintaining reliable locking and unlocking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
supply and discharge a pressure fluid from the outside to a piston chamber defined inside the lock device body, the piston is driven
Implementation Method 2
when locking the rod, the piston is returned to fasten the rod by the elastic force of the brake member itself
Implementation Method 3
the taper-shaped expansion portion can be pushed in between the pair of rollers that abut the pressure-bearing section of the brake member. By pushing in the taper-shaped expansion portion, the pressure-bearing section is expanded such that the rod is unlocked
Data Source
AI summary
A lock device body includes a brake member fastening a rod to lock the rod, a piston that press-opens a pair of pressure-bearing sections of the brake member by using an expansion member to unlock the rod, and an operation element for manually operating the piston, the operation element includes a shaft threaded in a screw hole, a pressure plate formed on one end of the shaft and located in the pressure chamber, and a sealing member disposed on the pressure plate. When the shaft is threaded into a lock release position, an operation end becomes an unextending state while the pressure plate displaces the piston to the lock release position, and, when the shaft is threaded back to a lock position, the operation end extends from the screw hole to the outside while the sealing member seals the screw hole to isolate the screw hole from the pressure chamber.