Programmable Cylinder Velocity Control via Optical Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cylinder systems are unable to change the velocity of a machine element within a cylinder without physically contacting it, which can damage the element and limit velocity adjustments to only the ends of the cylinder, preventing acceleration or deceleration at intermediate positions.
Innovation Solution
A programmable cylinder system that uses a light source and detector to determine the position of a machine element within the cylinder, coupled with a microprocessor and transducer to control valves and compressed fluid, allowing for velocity changes at any position by adjusting the amount of compressed fluid and electrical current to the valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact switches are used to detect machine element position, then position detection is achieved, but the machine element may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact switches with optical sensors (light sources and light detectors) to detect the position of the machine element. The optical sensors detect changes in light intensity or light blockage to determine position without physical contact, thereby eliminating the damage caused by mechanical contact while maintaining position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the detection system and the machine element. The light source emits light that interacts with the machine element (either being blocked or reflected), and the light detector measures these changes to infer position, using light as a non-contact intermediary to transfer information without direct mechanical contact.
2Ease of operation
If velocity control is limited to cylinder ends, then control simplicity is maintained, but acceleration/deceleration at intermediate positions is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cylinder into multiple detection zones by placing multiple light sources and light detectors at different positions along the cylinder length. This segmentation allows the system to detect machine element position at multiple intermediate locations, enabling velocity control at each segment rather than only at the ends, thus increasing control flexibility while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic velocity control by allowing the microprocessor to adjust the velocity of the machine element at different positions within the cylinder based on detected position. The system transitions from static velocity control (only at ends) to dynamic velocity control (at multiple intermediate positions), enabling acceleration and deceleration throughout the cylinder's length.
3Reliability
If light sources and detectors are added for position detection, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light sources and light detectors serve multiple functions: they detect machine element position, determine velocity changes, and trigger corresponding control actions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable non-contact detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection function and control function into an integrated system where the microprocessor processes signals from both light sources and light detectors to simultaneously determine position and control velocity. This merging of detection and control functions into a single integrated system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate independent systems.
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
Enables precise acceleration and deceleration of the machine element at various positions within the cylinder without physical contact, preventing damage and allowing for continuous velocity control between the ends, enhancing operational reliability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A light detector may measure, may detect and/or may identify an intensity of the light within the interior of the compartment which may not have been absorbed, may have been diffused and/or may have been attenuated by a surface of the compartment and/or of the machine element
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable cylinder, a system and a method change a velocity of a machine element within a compartment. A light detector within the compartment determines that the machine element is located at a first position or at a second position and/or is moving at a first velocity or at a second velocity. Switches determine that the machine element may be located at the first position or at the second position and/or is moving at the first velocity or at the second velocity. A microprocessor transmits a control signal to a transducer to alter an electrical current of the transducer to move valves of the compartment between an open position and a closed position. A compressed fluid within the interior of the compartment is changed via the valves. The machine element is accelerated and/or is decelerated to the first velocity or to the second velocity via the compressed fluid. A graphic user interface and/or a terminal accesses and controls the microprocessor and/or the transducer to move the machine element at the first velocity or at the second velocity within the compartment.