Parallel Pneumatic Cylinder for High Force in Compact Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic cylinders used in Computerized Numerical Control lathes face a challenge in balancing the need for increased force with space conservation, as larger piston diameters required for greater force compromise compact design efforts.
Innovation Solution
The pneumatic cylinder design incorporates a hollow rectangular cylinder block with parallel receiving portions divided into first and second air chambers by a division plate, featuring a compact structure with four pistons and guide protrusions to maximize force exertion while minimizing space occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the piston diameter is increased to provide greater force, then the force output is improved, but the space occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic cylinder is divided into multiple receiving portions (first and second receiving portions) that operate in parallel. Each receiving portion contains its own piston and air chambers, allowing the system to distribute the force generation across multiple smaller pistons rather than relying on a single large piston, thereby maintaining compact size while achieving high total force output
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single linear arrangement to a multi-dimensional parallel structure by creating multiple receiving portions arranged side-by-side within the cylinder block. This spatial arrangement in parallel dimensions allows the system to achieve greater cumulative force without increasing the overall footprint in any single dimension
2Volume of moving object
If a compact structure is designed to conserve space, then the space occupancy is reduced, but the force exertion capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receiving portions with their own pistons and air chambers are merged into a single integrated cylinder block structure. The division plates and common cylinder block combine these separate force-generating elements into one unified compact unit, achieving high force output within a limited space envelope
Solution Approach 2:
The pistons and air chambers are nested within the cylinder block in a space-efficient arrangement. The first and second receiving portions are positioned adjacent to each other within the same cylinder block, with division plates separating the air chambers, creating a nested compact structure that maximizes force density
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
This design allows for a more compact and efficient transfer of force, enabling higher force exertion without compromising space conservation, as the parallel air chambers and guide protrusions facilitate effective energy conversion and force transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The pneumatic cylinders are powered by compressed air, and controlled to drive the piston in a desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder block, two piston rods, and two pairs of pistons. The cylinder block defines two receiving portions parallel to each other. Each receiving portion defines a first air chamber and a second air chamber; the second air chamber is in series with the first air chamber Each piston rod is partially received in one receiving portion. Each pair of pistons is sleeved on one piston rod, with two pistons received in the first air chamber and the second air chamber, respectively.