Integrated Piston-Cylinder Valve Assembly for Easy Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing and assembly processes for fluid-filled piston-cylinder units are complex and require significant effort, making it difficult to simplify or improve these processes.
Innovation Solution
An assembly for a fluid-filled piston-cylinder unit is introduced, featuring a main body with an integrated valve unit and an outer seal element, along with undercut elements for secure interlocking with the piston-cylinder unit. This assembly simplifies the mounting process and ensures reliable fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing and assembly processes are used for fluid-filled piston-cylinder units, then the units can be produced with functional components, but the manufacturing and assembly processes are complex and require significant effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve unit, seal elements, and mounting features into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the piston rod. The main body houses both the valve unit with overflow channel and the seal elements, merging multiple functional components into one unified structure that simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides valve control through the overflow channel, sealing through the outer and inner seal elements, and mechanical attachment through the undercut elements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and assembly effort
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing piston-cylinder units are retrofitted with valve functionality, then functionality is enhanced, but the retrofitting process requires significant effort and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a separate, self-contained assembly that can be attached to existing piston rods without modifying the original piston-cylinder unit. The assembly includes all necessary components (valve unit, seals, mounting features) as an independent module, allowing easy retrofitting by simply mounting the assembly onto the piston rod with the undercut elements engaging behind the piston rod or mating element
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is pre-configured with the valve unit, seal elements, and mounting features already in place during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the assembly to be installed as a complete functional unit during retrofitting, eliminating the need to individually install and configure multiple separate components on the existing piston-cylinder unit
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 assembly allows for effortless and uncomplicated mounting on the piston-cylinder unit, reducing manufacturing and mounting efforts while enabling easy retrofitting of existing units, thus enhancing their functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an outer seal element that is arranged on the main body so as to be moved along the assembly longitudinal axis, for abutting in a sealing manner against an inner surface of the housing
Implementation Method 2
releasing the overflow channel, in dependence on the fluid pressure, when the assembly is moved along the assembly longitudinal axis in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a fluid-filled piston-cylinder unit comprises a main body having an assembly longitudinal axis (24), a valve unit integrated in the main body and having an overflow channel, which valve unit seals the overflow channel when the assembly is moved along the assembly longitudinal axis in a first direction and releases the overflow channel, in dependence on the fluid pressure, when the assembly is moved along the assembly longitudinal axis in a second direction. Furthermore, the assembly comprises an outer seal element that is arranged on the main body so as to be moved along the assembly longitudinal axis, for abutting in a sealing manner against an inner surface of the housing, and at least one undercut element formed on the main body for engaging in an interlocking manner behind a mating element of the piston-cylinder unit.