Segmented Linear Actuator for Rapid Gas Spring Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas springs used as press cushions in metal-pressing machines require significant time and resources to reconfigure for different blank-holder force distribution patterns, leading to machine downtime and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring a cylinder portion and a base portion with a valve mechanism that allows for easy engagement and disengagement, enabling fluid communication without manual operation, and a secure attachment system to facilitate quick reconfiguration of gas springs for varying force distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gas springs are used as press cushions in metal-pressing machines, then the gas springs can provide the required blank-holder force, but significant time and resources are required to reconfigure the gas springs for different blank-holder force distribution patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring is divided into two separable portions: a base portion that remains fixed to the machine bed and a cylinder portion that can be moved to different positions. This segmentation allows the cylinder portion to be repositioned along the base portion to create different force distribution patterns without requiring complete reconfiguration of the gas spring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder portion is designed to nest within or along the base portion, allowing the cylinder portion to slide or move along the length of the base portion. This nested arrangement enables rapid repositioning of the force application point while maintaining the structural integrity of the gas spring system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gas springs are reconfigured by unbolting and reattaching, then the gas springs can be repositioned for different applications, but the pressing machine stands redundant during reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the gas spring into a fixed base portion and a movable cylinder portion, the system allows the cylinder portion to be quickly repositioned without requiring detachment from the machine bed. This maintains machine productivity while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder portion is designed with dynamic repositioning capability, allowing it to be moved along the base portion during machine operation or with minimal downtime. This dynamic design enables the gas spring to adapt to different pressing requirements while maintaining high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gas springs are reconfigured, then different blank-holder force patterns can be achieved, but manual intervention and reconfiguration steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The separation into base portion and cylinder portion simplifies the reconfiguration process. The cylinder portion can be independently positioned along the base portion to achieve different force distribution patterns without complex manual intervention or reassembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder portion is designed to be self-positioning or easily positionable along the base portion, reducing the need for complex manual reconfiguration. The design allows operators to quickly adjust the force distribution pattern by simply moving the cylinder portion to the desired location.
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 rapid reconfiguration of gas springs to adapt to different blank-holder force patterns without disrupting the gas supply, reducing downtime and operational costs by allowing gas springs to be easily rearranged without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
comprising valve means operable to control the flow of fluid through said second base port, in which said valve means is actuatable between an open condition in which the flow of fluid through the second base port is permitted, and a closed condition in which the flow of fluid through the second base port is substantially prevented
Implementation Method 2
a piston assembly that can reciprocate within said compression chamber, said piston assembly comprising a rod that can be moved outwardly of said housing
Implementation Method 3
pneumatic cylinders use a working fluid, in the case of a pneumatic cylinder typically an inert gas, to control the movement of a piston
Implementation Method 4
a compression chamber for containing a gas and within which a piston can reciprocate
Implementation Method 5
the function of the blank-holder is generally to hold the workpiece in place during the pressing operation and to auto-lift the pressed workpiece from the lower die following pressing
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A linear actuator is disclosed. The linear actuator comprises a cylinder portion and a base portion. The cylinder portion comprises a housing defining internally a compression chamber for containing a fluid and comprising a piston assembly that can reciprocate within the compression chamber. The housing further defines a cylinder port in fluid communication with said compression chamber. The base portion defines a first base port and a second base port and a passage extending therebetween fluidly communicating the first base port with the second base port, and comprises valve means operable to control the flow of fluid through the second base port, in which the valve means is actuatable between an open condition in which the flow of fluid through the second base port is permitted, and a closed condition in which the flow of fluid through the second base port is substantially prevented. The cylinder portion is releasably engageable with the base portion such that the cylinder portion and the base portion may be arranged in an engaged condition in which engaged condition the cylinder port and the second base port are in fluid communication.