Lockable Working Cylinder Radial Pin Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working cylinders fail to securely lock the piston or piston rod tube when pressure in the main pressure chamber is released, leading to unintended movement and rotation, especially under heavy loads, due to issues with braking units wearing down or relying on pressure medium application.
Innovation Solution
A radially guideable locking pin is introduced into a pressure space, with a pressure medium used to secure the spindle and piston rod tube, and a coil spring or hydraulic/pneumatic medium is used to control the locking pin's movement, ensuring secure locking and minimal rotation, even in the presence of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a braking surface presses against a braking cone to brake spindle rotation, then the spindle rotation is braked, but such a braking device is not suitable for braking larger loads and cannot stop spindle rotation abruptly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking pins (at least two) distributed radially around the spindle, each engaging with separate locking chambers. This segmentation allows the locking force to be distributed across multiple contact points, enabling the system to handle larger loads reliably while maintaining the ability to stop rotation abruptly.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure medium acts as an intermediary to control the locking pins. When pressure is applied, it forces the locking pins out of the locking chambers, releasing the spindle. When pressure is released, the pins automatically engage with the chambers to lock the spindle. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable locking under large loads while maintaining rapid response capability.
2Reliability
If end-face locking with toothing is used to lock the spindle, then the locking is functionally reliable, but the end-face locking can wear away over time and the cohesion of the toothing depends on pressurization of the medium which can easily fail
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using end-face locking where the locking force is applied axially at the end face, the invention inverts the approach by using radial locking pins that engage with locking chambers on the cylindrical surface of the spindle. This inversion eliminates the wear problem associated with end-face contact and creates a more durable locking mechanism that does not depend on the cohesion of end-face toothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical toothing system (which relies on meshing teeth and can wear or fail due to loss of cohesion) with a pressure-controlled pin engagement system. The locking pins are actuated by pressure medium rather than relying on mechanical toothing cohesion, providing more reliable and durable locking that is not susceptible to the same wear and failure modes.
3Reliability
If multiple pressure chambers are distributed radially around the spindle, then the locking pin has more options for moving into the latching position and spindle rotation is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure medium system serves multiple functions: it actuates the locking pins to engage or disengage from the locking chambers, and it can be controlled to provide selective locking at different angular positions around the spindle. This multi-functionality allows the same pressure medium system to control multiple locking pins without requiring separate actuation mechanisms for each, thereby managing complexity while providing enhanced anti-rotation capability.
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 quick and secure locking mechanism that stabilizes the spindle and piston rod tube, minimizing unwanted rotation and maintaining lock integrity under varying pressure conditions, suitable for heavy loads and diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure chamber is under the pressure of a pressure medium, which pushes the locking bolt out of the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
the locking bolt could be associated with an energy accumulator, such as a helical spring. If the pressure in the pressure chamber is removed in this case, the locking pin can move into this pressure chamber under the pressure of the compression spring
Implementation Method 3
pressurize the locking bolt on the other side of the pressure chamber with a hydraulic or pneumatic medium, so that, controlled by a corresponding electronic controller, pressure can be built up and the locking bolt can be displaced in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 4
pressurize the locking bolt on the other side of the pressure chamber with a hydraulic or pneumatic medium
Implementation Method 5
If the bottom of the space is funnel-shaped, the pressure medium can get in front of the locking pin and push it out of the pressure space
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a lockable working cylinder comprising a housing (1) and a piston that can be displaced in a primary pressure chamber (36) of said housing. A piston rod tube (13) leads from said piston out of the pressure chamber (36) and a spindle (20) rotates in the piston (14) or piston rod tube (13), said spindle being allocated to a unit that halts the rotational displacement. The spindle (20) or a rotational sleeve (22) that is placed over said spindle has a radial pressure chamber (31.1, 31.2), in which a locking bolt (33) engages, said bolt being introduced radially.