Axially Split Cylinder Protecting Cover Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylinder apparatus designs face issues with low assembly flexibility and increased weight due to rigid construction, which complicates the manufacturing process and may lead to damage from external impacts.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder apparatus featuring axially split protecting cover members with a radial gap, allowing for increased assembly freedom and weight reduction by securing a spring seat via press fitting and enabling staking or caulking of the cylinder end before final assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a third cylinder is added around the second cylinder to protect the cylinder apparatus, then the strength and protection capability is improved, but the weight increases and assembly freedom decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting cover is divided into two separate members (first and second protecting cover members) that are assembled in sequence. This segmentation allows the third cylinder to be split into manageable sections, reducing the overall weight while maintaining protective strength through distributed coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The first protecting cover member is assembled and secured to the piston rod or mounting eye before the second protecting cover member is attached. This preliminary assembly allows for optimized weight distribution and ensures that the protecting cover structure is built progressively, reducing unnecessary material usage.
2Strength
If the third cylinder is assembled around the second cylinder before staking or caulking, then the protecting cover strength is improved, but the assembly process becomes more difficult and freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting cover is segmented into two members that can be assembled in a specific sequence. The first member is attached initially, allowing staking or caulking operations to be performed on the cylinder end, followed by attachment of the second member. This segmentation enables manufacturing operations to proceed without interference from the complete protecting cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first protecting cover member is assembled and secured before performing staking or caulking on the cylinder end. This preliminary assembly provides structural support while leaving access for subsequent manufacturing operations, and the second protecting cover member is then attached to complete the protection.
3Strength
If the protecting cover is made as a single rigid structure, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases and assembly flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting cover is divided into two independent members that can be assembled in different sequences depending on manufacturing requirements. This segmentation provides assembly flexibility while maintaining the overall structural strength through the combined coverage of both members.
Solution Approach 2:
The protecting cover structure transitions from a static single-piece design to a dynamic multi-component assembly. The two members can be attached in different orders and configurations, allowing the assembly process to adapt to different manufacturing conditions while maintaining protective functionality.
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
Enhances the strength of the protecting cover and streamlines the manufacturing process while reducing the overall weight of the cylinder apparatus by allowing more flexible assembly and stress distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a spring seat is secured by press fitting to the outer periphery of either the first or second protecting cover member
Data Source
AI summary
A metallic protecting cover is formed from two axially split members, i.e. a first protecting cover member secured to a mounting eye, and a second protecting cover member having an overall length shorter than that of each of first and second cylinders and having a predetermined gap between itself and the second cylinder. The second protecting cover member is press-fitted into the first protecting cover member secured to the mounting eye to integrate the first and second protecting cover members into the protecting cover. Accordingly, the lower end of the second cylinder can be caulked in a state where the second protecting cover member has been temporarily assembled to the second cylinder. Thus, it is possible to ensure the required strength of the protecting cover and to increase the degree of freedom in assembly process.