Pneumatic Telescopic Mast Locking for Pressure-Gated Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inexperienced or distracted operators may accidentally deactivate the locking systems of pneumatic telescoping masts without ensuring sufficient pressurized air, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
The mast is equipped with tube locking means that include a safety device to prevent deactivation of the locking devices until the air reaches a preset pressure level, using a single acting actuator or pneumatic actuator to ensure the tubes remain locked in the extended configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking systems are provided to lock tubes in extended configuration, then the mast can remain extended without pressurized air, but inexperienced operators may accidentally deactivate locking systems without sufficient pressurized air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a safety device that prevents the deactivation of locking systems until pressurized air reaches a predetermined level. The safety device blocks the control member (eccentric pin) from rotating unless the pressurized air pressure is sufficient, thereby preemptively preventing accidental deactivation before the necessary pressure condition is met.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device acts as an intermediary between the locking system and the control member. It includes a blocking element (such as a stem from a single-acting actuator) that physically interferes with the control member's rotation, mediating the interaction between the operator's input and the locking system's state change.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a safety device is introduced to prevent accidental deactivation, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is integrated into the existing locking system structure, serving multiple functions: it acts as both a safety mechanism (blocking accidental deactivation) and a pressure indicator (showing when sufficient pressure is reached). The single-acting actuator serves dual purposes as both a blocking mechanism and a pressure-responsive element.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device components are nested within the existing locking system structure. The blocking element is housed within the locking ring, and the single-acting actuator is integrated into the locking mechanism's geometry, minimizing additional space and structural requirements.
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
Prevents accidental deactivation of the locking means when air pressure is insufficient, ensuring the tubes remain extended safely.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device comprises a single acting actuator normally biased by an elastic element to prevent the actuation of the control member and operable by the pressurized air in the mast to be disengaged from the control member
Implementation Method 2
The locking device comprises a single acting actuator normally biased by an elastic element to prevent the actuation of the control member
Implementation Method 3
the movement of the latch is caused by an actuating actuator which is operable with a pressurized fluid to bring the latch from the active advanced position to the inactive retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic telescoping mast having a plurality of telescopically-coupled sealing tubes is provided. Actuation of the telescopically-coupled sealing tubes occurs by introducing pressurized air into the pneumatic telescoping mast. Tube locking means lock the telescopically-coupled sealing tubes in an extended configuration by interference or friction even in absence of the pressurized air in the pneumatic telescoping mast. The tube locking means have at least one safety device configured to keep the tube locking means in a locked position, the at least one safety device being deactivatable to allow the tube locking means to switch to a released position only when air in the pneumatic telescoping mast reaches a preset pressure value. The pneumatic telescoping mast is suitable for supporting and moving military communication, lighting and/or surveillance equipment.