Screw Tensioning Device With Anti-Rotation Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw tensioning devices lack efficient mechanisms for applying and releasing tension in tensionable screw connections, particularly in applications where precise control over torque and fluid pressure is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A screw tensioning device comprising a fixation element, a support element, a piston, and an actuator assembly, where the piston is movable within the fixation element and includes a groove and protrusion to prevent rotational movement, and the actuator assembly uses threaded connections to cause axial movement of the piston, manipulating a fluid-filled volume to apply or release tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the piston is allowed to rotate within the fixation element, then the actuator assembly can more easily apply force, but the sealing rings will suffer damage due to rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
The groove and protrusion are designed in advance to prevent rotational movement of the piston before any force application occurs. This preliminary constraint eliminates the harmful rotational action that would damage sealing rings, while still allowing the actuator assembly to effectively apply axial force through the constrained piston movement.
2Reliability
If the piston is constrained to prevent rotation, then sealing rings are protected, but the actuator assembly requires more complex mechanism to apply force
Solution Approach 1:
The groove and protrusion form a self-constraining mechanism where the piston's own geometry prevents its rotation. The actuator element simply applies force through the existing threaded connection, and the piston's groove-protrusion interface automatically prevents rotation without requiring additional constraint mechanisms in the actuator assembly itself.
3Force
If traditional hydraulic rod tensioning systems are used, then tension can be applied to screws, but the systems are complex and difficult to disconnect after use
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation element combines multiple functions: it serves as the hydraulic chamber housing, the piston guide, the sealant retention structure, and the connection point to the screw. By merging these functions into a single integrated element, the system achieves tension application capability while reducing overall complexity and enabling easy disconnection by simply removing the fixation element from the screw thread.
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 device effectively applies and maintains tension in screws by pressurizing a fluid within the volume, preventing rotational movement of the piston and minimizing damage to sealing rings, allowing for precise control and efficient tensioning or loosening of screw connections.
Implementation Method 1
A movement of the piston manipulates the volume, moving the fixation element with respect to the support element
Implementation Method 2
The volume contains a fluid. A movement of the piston manipulates the volume
Implementation Method 3
The actuator element has a first threaded connection with the rod portion of the piston. A movement of the actuator element causes an axial movement of the piston
Data Source
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AI summary
A screw tensioning device (100, 100a, 100b, 100c) for tensioning or loosing tensionable screw connections includes a fixation element (114), a support element (116), a piston (118, 118c), an actuator assembly (120, 120a, 120b, 120c), and a volume (208) defined at least partly by the piston (118, 118c), the fixation element (114), or the support element (116). The fixation element (114) is configured to be connected to a screw (102). The support element (116) is moveable relative to the fixation element (114) to apply tension to or remove tension from the screw (102). The piston (118, 118c) is positioned and movable within the fixation element (114). The piston (118, 118c) includes a rod end (176, 176c) and a rod portion (172, 172c). The actuator assembly (120, 120a, 120b, 120c) includes an actuator element (122, 122a, 122b, 122c) having a first threaded connection (180, 180a, 180b, 180c) with the rod portion (172, 172c) of the piston (118, 118c). A movement of the actuator element (122, 122a, 122b, 122c) causes an axial movement of the piston (118, 118c) within the fixation element (114), and the movement of the piston (118, 118c) manipulates the volume (208), moving the fixation element (114) with respect to the support element (116).