Multi-Rod Fluid Actuator with Selective Engagement for Long Stroke
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid actuator arrangements with multiple piston rods require large cylinder chamber volumes for long strokes, leading to bulkiness, high energy consumption, and inefficiencies, particularly in applications where continuous movement is not necessary.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid actuator arrangement with a first and second cylinder housing, each divided by a piston body with through-bores for piston rods, featuring engagement and disengagement devices that allow individual control of piston rods, reducing the need for volume variations and enabling efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If large cylinder chamber volumes are used to provide long strokes for multiple piston rods, then the actuator can achieve long stroke movements, but the actuator becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The piston body is segmented with multiple through-bores (first through-bore, second through-bore) that extend through it in the axial direction. Each through-bore receives a respective piston rod, allowing the single piston body to control multiple piston rods independently. This segmentation enables long stroke capability without requiring large cylinder chambers, as each piston rod can be actuated through its own through-bore passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the axial dimension by extending through-bores through the piston body in the axial direction. This allows piston rods to pass through the piston body along the axial dimension, enabling long stroke movements without increasing the radial or volumetric dimensions of the cylinder chamber. The axial extension of through-bores provides a space-efficient solution for achieving long strokes.
2Force
If multiple piston rods are actuated simultaneously, then high forces can be generated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement and disengagement devices provide dynamic control over the connection between the piston body and individual piston rods. This dynamic engagement/disengagement capability allows the system to activate only the piston rods that are currently needed, rather than continuously actuating all piston rods. Consequently, high forces can be generated when multiple rods are engaged, while energy consumption is reduced by disengaging rods that are not currently required for the task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of piston rod engagement status between engaged and disengaged states. By controlling whether each piston rod is engaged with the piston body or disengaged, the system can optimize energy consumption by only actuating the necessary number of piston rods at any given time, while still maintaining the capability to generate high forces when multiple rods are engaged simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If electrical actuators are used to hold piston rods in position for extended periods, then precise positioning is achieved, but the actuators generate excessive heat and consume high electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement and disengagement devices extract the holding function from continuous electrical actuation. Instead of relying on electrical actuators to maintain position against gravitational or external loads, the mechanical engagement devices physically lock the piston rods in position when engaged. This eliminates the need for continuous electrical power consumption and heat-generating activity, while still achieving precise positioning through the mechanical engagement mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If individual control of each piston rod is implemented, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single piston body with multiple through-bores serves multiple functions: it acts as a common actuating element for multiple piston rods while providing individual control capability through separate engagement and disengagement devices for each through-bore. This universal piston body design achieves individual rod control without requiring separate actuators for each rod, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining control flexibility and adaptability.
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 results in a lightweight, cost-effective, and energy-efficient actuator capable of high forces and precise movements, suitable for applications requiring quick and simultaneous rod movements in both directions, while minimizing overheating and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least the first cylinder chamber is coupled to a fluid supply; the first piston body divides the first cylinder housing interior into a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid actuator arrangement comprises a first cylinder housing including a first head member and a second head member; a first piston body is slidable arranged in said first cylinder housing; the first piston body divides the first cylinder housing interior into a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber, at least the first cylinder chamber is coupled to a fluid supply. The first piston body exhibits a first through-bore and a second through-bore that extend through the first piston body in an axial direction; a first piston rod is arranged slidable in the first through-bore and a second piston rod is arranged slidable in the second through-bore; and the first through-bore comprises a first engagement and disengagement device and the second through-bore comprises a second engagement and disengagement device, which are arranged for providing individual engagement or disengagement to or from the respective first and second piston rod.