Spring-Loaded Piston Accumulator Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-loaded piston accumulators for hydraulic systems have complex component groups that require high manufacturing effort and are costly to produce, making them inefficient in terms of both production and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified piston accumulator design featuring a spring-loaded piston with an electromagnetic locking mechanism, where a separate interlocking member made of harder material is used to block the piston's return, eliminating the need for complete hardening of the armature and reducing component complexity, along with a multifunctional cup that serves as a magnetic circuit and stop, and a multi-part piston with cost-efficient sealing and assembly methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the armature is completely hardened to provide sufficient hardness for actuating blocking elements, then the interlocking member achieves necessary hardness for reliable locking, but the magnetic properties of the armature are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The armature is divided into two distinct components: the armature body made of magnetically soft material and the separate interlocking member made of harder material. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise - the armature body maintains magnetic properties while the interlocking member provides the necessary hardness for actuating blocking elements
Solution Approach 2:
The separate interlocking member acts as an intermediary between the armature and the blocking elements. It transfers the axial movement of the armature into radial movement of the blocking elements while providing the necessary hardness for reliable engagement, thereby protecting the magnetically soft armature from direct contact and wear with the blocking elements
2Reliability
If complex component groups are used to ensure reliable locking function, then the locking mechanism achieves high reliability, but manufacturing effort and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic apparatus and the locking mechanism are merged into a single integrated unit. The armature of the electromagnetic apparatus directly actsuates the blocking elements of the locking mechanism through the interlocking member, eliminating the need for separate complex component groups and reducing manufacturing effort while maintaining reliable locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The armature serves multiple functions: it acts as the moving component of the electromagnetic apparatus, as the actuator for the locking mechanism, and as a guide for the interlocking member. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the structure while ensuring reliable operation
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 design allows for cost-efficient production and assembly of the piston accumulator with a reliable locking mechanism, reduced component count, and simplified manufacturing processes, while maintaining the magnetic properties of the armature and ensuring proper functioning of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic apparatus having an armature which is shifted upon axial shifting of the piston from the first into the second position in its turn into an axial position
Implementation Method 2
A spring preload of the piston accumulator urges the piston into a first position
Data Source
AI summary
A piston accumulator (10) comprises a pressure chamber (40) which is closed on one side by an axially shiftable piston (50) in order to change its volume depending on the axial position of the piston (50). A locking mechanism is provided for retaining the piston (50) in a second position different from a first position against a spring preload (190). The piston accumulator (10) further comprises an electromagnetic apparatus (80) having an armature (150) which is shifted upon axial shifting of the piston (50) from the first into the second position in its turn into an axial position in which a blocking element (175) of the locking mechanism is held by the armature (150) in a radial position so as to block a shift of the piston (50) back in the direction of its first position. For holding the blocking element (175) there is provided a separate interlocking member (170) which is fastened to the armature (150) and is made of a harder material than the armature (150).