Fluid-Actuated Linear Drive With Switchable Axial Fluid Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-actuated linear drives require separate construction types for lateral and axial fluid coupling, leading to increased manufacturing effort and limited user flexibility in coupling fluid conduits.
Innovation Solution
An L-shaped attachment coupling part is introduced, allowing for both lateral and axial fluid coupling by providing additional coupling openings on the rear surface of the drive housing, enabling users to switch between coupling methods based on local requirements without altering the drive's primary design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate construction types are provided for lateral and axial fluid coupling, then coupling flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive housing is designed with a universal coupling system that can accommodate both lateral and axial fluid coupling through a single construction type. The housing includes both lateral coupling openings and axial connection openings that can be used interchangeably depending on the application requirements, eliminating the need for separate construction types for different coupling configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is segmented into independent coupling openings and connection openings that can be selectively used. The drive housing is divided into multiple coupling interfaces (lateral coupling openings on the side surface and axial connection openings on the rear surface), allowing the system to be configured for different coupling types without redesigning the entire housing structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single drive housing design is used, then manufacturing effort is reduced, but coupling adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive housing incorporates multiple coupling interfaces (both lateral coupling openings and axial connection openings) within a single construction type, enabling the same housing design to be used for different coupling configurations. This universal design allows users to select the appropriate coupling method based on local requirements without needing different housing variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system extends into multiple spatial dimensions by providing coupling openings on different surfaces of the drive housing. Lateral coupling openings are positioned on the side surface while axial connection openings are positioned on the rear surface, allowing fluid conduits to be connected from different directions (laterally or axially) to the same drive unit.
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 solution allows for flexible and cost-effective adaptation of fluid-actuated linear drives to accommodate different coupling configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity and enhancing user convenience by enabling both lateral and axial fluid coupling with a single drive design.
Implementation Method 1
a drive piston which in the drive housing separates off two drive chambers from one another, said drive chambers being successive in the housing longitudinal direction and each being connected to one of two housing channels
Implementation Method 2
drive fluid which generates the linear drive movement
Implementation Method 3
two separate coupling part channels pass through the attachment coupling part, said coupling part channels on the one hand each with a connection opening running out at an inner limb surface of the connection limb which faces the drive housing, in a manner such that they are each connected to one of the two lateral coupling openings, and on the other hand each with an individual axial coupling opening which can be used for the feed and discharge of a drive fluid which produces the linear drive movement
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid actuated linear drive which includes a drive housing and a drive member which is movable relative to the drive housing. The drive force which is necessary for producing the drive movement is provided by a drive fluid which can be fed and discharged through housing channels of the drive housing. The housing channels each with a lateral coupling opening run out at a housing side surface of the drive housing. An L-shaped attachment coupling part which in the position of use is assembled on the drive housing has a coupling limb which is assigned to a housing rear surface and which is provided with two axial coupling openings. The axial coupling openings are in connection with lateral coupling openings via coupling channels. Hence there is the possibility of using the axial coupling openings for the feed and discharge of the drive fluid.