Lockable Gas Spring with Automatic Retaining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable gas spring arrangements require manual operation with one hand to retract the locking pin, making it difficult to securely hold large flaps or doors open, as they need both hands to manage the high extension force and prevent inadvertent pivoting.
Innovation Solution
A locking element that can be manually moved into an unlocked position and automatically retained, allowing both hands to be used for retraction, with an over-center spring mechanism ensuring automatic locking upon extension, preventing unintended retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking pin is used to prevent inadvertent pivoting of large flaps or doors, then security and stability are improved, but the operation complexity increases because one hand is required to manually hold the locking pin while the other hand is needed to retract the gas spring
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to automatically return to the locked position through its own spring mechanism when the gas spring is extended, without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically re-engaging the locking pin with the cylinder bore after retraction, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of manually holding the locking pin is extracted and replaced by an automatic spring-loaded return mechanism. The locking pin is taken out of the manual control loop and given its own autonomous return path through the piston rod bore, separating the locking function from manual operation requirements.
2Reliability
If the locking pin is designed to bear against the front face of the cylinder to prevent retraction, then reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because both hands are needed to manage high extension force and operate the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin automatically returns to its locked position through the spring mechanism when the gas spring extends, without requiring manual intervention. The system maintains itself by automatically re-engaging the locking pin with the cylinder bore after retraction, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to store energy that will automatically return the locking pin to the locked position. This preliminary action of spring compression during retraction prepares the system to automatically lock upon extension, eliminating the need for manual operation during the locking process.
3Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the additional components and manual intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin mechanism is merged with the existing gas spring structure by guiding the locking pin through the piston rod bore and using the gas spring's own motion to drive the locking and unlocking actions. This integration reduces the need for separate, complex locking components while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses the gas spring's own extension and retraction motion to automatically drive the locking pin into and out of the locked position, eliminating the need for separate actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The system locks and unlocks itself through its normal operational cycles.
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
Enables secure and comfortable operation of large flaps or doors by allowing automatic retention of the locking element in the unlocked position during retraction, ensuring the gas spring can be easily closed against the extension force without manual holding.
Implementation Method 1
A locking element that can be manually moved into an unlocked position and automatically retained, allowing both hands to be used for retraction, with an over-center spring mechanism ensuring automatic locking upon extension
Implementation Method 2
gas springs included a closed cylinder with a cylinder interior which is filled with compressed gas
Implementation Method 3
The first and second chambers are connected together or are able to be connected together... when the piston rod is extended
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable gas spring arrangement includes a gas spring with a closed cylinder, a displaceably guided piston and piston rod. A fastening tube fastened with its one end in the region of the free end of the piston rod and on which a locking element is arranged. The locking element is able to be moved substantially radially to the piston rod between an unlocked position permitting a free insertion movement and a locked position bearing against the front face of the cylinder on the piston rod side when the piston rod is extended. The locking element is able to be urged by a spring into its locked position. The locking element is able to be moved manually from its locked position into its unlocked position and is able to be retained automatically in its unlocked position by a retaining device.