Locking Piston Assembly Fluid-Actuated Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking piston assemblies require robust and heavy mechanical locks to hold the piston head and rod against pressurized hydraulic fluid forces, leading to unnecessary size and weight, and lack efficient locking mechanisms that function without pressurized fluid.
Innovation Solution
A locking piston assembly with locks integrated into end caps that use a biasing device and locking member to mechanically lock the piston rod in extended or retracted positions, even without pressurized fluid, reducing the need for robust construction and allowing easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust mechanical lock is used to hold the piston head and rod against pressurized hydraulic fluid forces, then the locking reliability is improved, but the size and weight of the assembly increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional robust mechanical lock system with a fluid-pressure-based locking mechanism. The lock is actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure rather than purely mechanical forces, allowing the piston assembly to be locked in position without requiring heavy-duty mechanical components. This substitution reduces the weight and size of the locking mechanism while maintaining reliability through the use of pressurized fluid to engage and hold the locking elements.
2Reliability
If a robust mechanical lock is used to hold the piston head and rod against pressurized hydraulic fluid forces, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing fluid pressure system already present in the piston assembly. The same hydraulic or pneumatic fluid that drives the piston is also used to actuate the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate, complex mechanical locking system. This integration simplifies the overall device by combining multiple functions into a unified system that uses the available pressurized fluid for both propulsion and locking.
3Weight of stationary object
If pressurized fluid is required to maintain the lock in an unlocked position, then the locking mechanism can be lighter, but the lock may fail to remain engaged in the absence of pressurized fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a biasing device that applies a preliminary force to ensure the locking member remains engaged with the piston rod in the absence of pressurized fluid. This biasing mechanism creates a default locked state that prevents accidental disengagement, while still allowing the lock to be unlocked when pressurized fluid is applied. The preliminary anti-action of the biasing device counteracts any forces that might cause the lock to disengage, ensuring reliability even when the primary pressurized fluid system is not active.
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 lightweight and efficient locking mechanism that maintains the piston rod position without opposing pressurized fluid forces, enabling safer operation and reduced size and weight while ensuring the lock remains engaged in the absence of pressurized fluid.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device, such as a spring, that urges the locking member into engagement with the piston rod
Implementation Method 2
introduction of a pressurized fluid to a locking chamber in opposition to the biasing force moves the locking member to a disengaged position
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking piston assembly (100) is provided according to the invention. The locking piston assembly (100) includes a piston chamber (107), a piston rod (106) configured to be substantially extended from and substantially retracted into the piston chamber (107), and a piston head (108) coupled to the piston rod (106) and configured to move reciprocally in the piston chamber (107). The locking piston assembly (100) further includes at least one lock (120) configured to mechanically lock the piston head (108) and the piston rod (106) in at least a substantially fully extended position. The lock (120) is configured to unlock the piston head (108) and the piston rod (106) in a presence of a pressurized fluid provided to retract the piston rod ( 106). The pressurized fluid is introduced into the piston chamber (107) and the piston rod (106) is retracted only after the lock (120) is unlocked.