Piston Lock Linkage for Compact Hydraulic Cylinder Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylinder lock mechanisms for agricultural equipment are cumbersome, time-consuming to operate, and lack sufficient strength to securely hold large modern headers and feeders, especially when space constraints limit their applicability.
Innovation Solution
A piston lock system comprising two cylinders with telescopically connected pistons and movable piston locks that can be simultaneously controlled via a control link, allowing for compact operation and secure locking of the pistons in the extended position, preventing accidental retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple lock members are connected to each other by a pivot shaft to rotate out of the plane defined by the cylinder assemblies, then the locks can be simultaneously moved into place, but this requires a large clear space adjacent to the cylinder assemblies and limits applicability when there is no free space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement dimension from three-dimensional rotation out of plane to two-dimensional linear movement within the plane. The lock members move linearly in the plane defined by the cylinder assemblies rather than rotating out of this plane, eliminating the need for large clear space while maintaining simultaneous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage system where the lock members are connected through links that allow coordinated movement. The linkage mechanism dynamically adjusts the position of multiple lock members simultaneously through linear movement, enabling easy operation without requiring fixed pivot points that consume space.
2Reliability
If a rigid rod or shaft lock is placed around the piston member, then the feeder can be locked in the raised position, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The lock members are positioned and oriented in advance within the plane of the cylinder assemblies, ready for quick engagement. The linear movement mechanism allows the locks to be rapidly deployed without the time-consuming rotation and positioning required by out-of-plane mechanisms, reducing operational time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate lock members that can be independently positioned and engaged. Each lock member operates through simple linear movement rather than complex rotation, making the overall system quicker to operate while maintaining the cumulative locking strength of multiple engaged locks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lock members rotate out of the plane defined by the cylinder assemblies, then they can be simultaneously moved into place, but the mechanism is only feasible when there is sufficient room for the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the adaptability issue by changing the movement from three-dimensional rotation to two-dimensional linear movement within the plane. This allows the mechanism to function in confined spaces where out-of-plane rotation would be impossible, significantly improving adaptability to different space constraints while using minimal area.
Data Source
AI summary
A piston lock system having first and second cylinders, first and second pistons telescopically connected to the cylinders, and first and second piston locks. The piston locks are movable in a transverse direction within a planar region between the cylinders, between unlocked positions in which the piston locks are not located between the free ends of the cylinders and the free ends of the piston, and locked positions in which the piston locks are located between the free cylinder ends and the free piston ends. A control link is operatively connected to the piston locks, and configured to simultaneously move the piston locks between the locked and unlocked positions.