Rotary Locking Sleeve for Telescopic Actuator Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for telescopic actuators are difficult to integrate with electromechanical technology, as they require complex mechanisms to convert rotary motion into axial movement for unlocking, unlike hydraulic systems which use fluid pressure.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a rotating locking sleeve featuring a circumferential succession of gaps and obstacles that allows catches to flex in a release position and prevents flexing in a blocking position, enabling easy integration with electromechanical systems by using a rotary electromechanical device to pivot the sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with catches and axial locking sleeve is used in hydraulic actuators, then the locking function is effective and automatic, but the device becomes complex when integrated with electromechanical technology requiring rotary-to-axial motion conversion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting rotary motion to axial motion as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the approach by using a rotary locking sleeve that controls catches through rotational movement. The sleeve has circumferential gaps and obstacles that directly interact with the catches, allowing rotary motion to control the locking function without complex motion conversion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from axial movement control to rotational dimension control. The locking sleeve rotates around the catches, using circumferential gaps and obstacles in the rotational dimension to control the axial flexing of catches. This dimensional change simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for rotary-to-axial motion conversion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary electromechanical device is used to move the locking sleeve axially, then the locking device can be integrated with electromechanical systems, but complex motion conversion mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the electromechanical device rotate the locking sleeve instead of moving it axially. The rotational movement of the sleeve brings its circumferential gaps and obstacles into register with the catches, achieving locking and unlocking functions without complex rotary-to-axial motion conversion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical motion conversion mechanisms with a simpler rotary control system. The locking sleeve's circumferential gaps and obstacles directly control the catches through rotation, substituting the need for helical connections or other rotary-to-axial conversion mechanisms with a more straightforward rotational control system.
3Reliability
If the locking sleeve is moved axially to block catches, then the hooks are held captive in the annular setback, but the mechanism requires complex motion control for electromechanical systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the locking sleeve axially to block the catches, the patent inverts the mechanism by rotating the sleeve. The circumferential gaps and obstacles on the rotated sleeve move into register with the catches, blocking their flexing motion through rotational positioning rather than axial displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the locking function by operating in the rotational dimension rather than the axial dimension. The locking sleeve rotates to position its circumferential gaps and obstacles relative to the catches, simplifying motion control by using rotational positioning instead of axial movement control.
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 solution allows for efficient locking and unlocking of telescopic actuators in electromechanical systems without the need for complex motion conversions, facilitating easier integration and operation compared to hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a bushing secured to first element and including catches that are cantilevered-out in an axial direction and that are elastically deformable
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for locking together first and second elements that are movable relative to each other in an axial direction. The device has a bushing secured to a first element and catches that are cantilevered-out in an axial direction and are elastically deformable. The device also has an anchor portion secured to a second element and an annular setback to receive hook-shaped ends of the catches. The device also has a locking sleeve mounted to move relative to the catches between a release position in which the catches are free to flex, and a blocking position in which the catches are prevented from flexing, wherein the locking sleeve is movable in rotation relative to the catches and includes a circumferential succession of gaps and of obstacles.