Quick Release Piston Rod Assembly Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current piston rod assemblies in equipment like pumps are inefficient for quick maintenance, requiring complex disassembly and reassembly processes to replace worn pistons, which slows down repair and restart operations.
Innovation Solution
A quick release piston rod assembly incorporating a wedge and wedge adjuster with load transfer blocks allows for rapid disconnection and reconnection of piston rod components, enabling swift replacement of pistons by expanding or contracting the sub rod length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional piston rod assembly design is used, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but maintenance time and operational downtime increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The piston rod assembly is divided into separable components including the sub rod, piston, and connection mechanisms. The sub rod can be disconnected from the piston through the quick release mechanism, allowing the piston to be removed independently without moving the entire rod assembly. This segmentation enables rapid maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the wedge block, load transfer blocks, and connection pins that facilitate the quick release function. These intermediaries enable the complex task of rod disconnection to be performed through a simple manual operation, resolving the contradiction between quick release capability and operational strength.
2Productivity
If quick release mechanism is implemented, then piston replacement speed increases, but the reliability and strength of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release mechanism is pre-configured with the wedge block positioned within the wedge opening and load transfer blocks already in place. The connection pins are designed with features that automatically engage and lock when components are assembled. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the wedge adjuster is actuated, the disconnection occurs reliably without requiring complex manual manipulation, thus maintaining connection reliability while enabling fast replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer blocks are designed to automatically transfer and distribute mechanical loads across the connection points between the sub rod and piston. The wedge block self-adjusts under load to maintain optimal contact pressure. This self-service capability ensures that the quick release mechanism maintains full structural strength during operation without requiring external monitoring or adjustment, preserving both reliability and replacement speed.
3Ease of operation
If the sub rod is made adjustable in length, then quick release and reinsertion becomes possible, but the structural stability and rigidity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sub rod incorporates a dynamic length adjustment capability through the wedge block mechanism. When the wedge adjuster is actuated, the wedge block moves longitudinally within the wedge opening, causing the load transfer blocks to shift and effectively changing the engaged length of the sub rod. This dynamic adjustment allows the rod to be quickly extended for maintenance access or retracted for compact operation, while the rigid wedge geometry ensures structural stability is maintained in both positions.
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
Facilitates faster maintenance by allowing quick release and reinsertion of piston rod components, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency in equipment maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge block... move the wedge block transversely to the longitudinal axis with actuation of the wedge adjuster and to expand a length of the sub rod when actuated one direction and to allow contraction of the length of the sub rod when actuated a second direction different from the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an assembly, system, and method for a quick release piston rod assembly. The assembly includes a wedge and wedge adjuster with load transfer blocks to release quickly portions of a piston rod assembly and to allow reinsertion of those portions with a replacement piston to resume operation.