Swivel Unit Braking With Fluidic and Mechanical Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting units face challenges in handling different heavy masses efficiently, with braking phases often being non-linear and causing overload or damage due to inadequate deceleration, especially when handling additional components with significant mass.
Innovation Solution
A swivel unit that combines fluidic and mechanical braking phases, where fluid pressure is strategically switched to initiate a fluidic braking phase followed by a mechanical braking phase, utilizing a mechanical damper for high deceleration, and includes control electronics to manage valve operation based on detected path and mass, ensuring robust and shock-free deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mechanical damper is used for braking, then high deceleration performance is achieved, but wear occurs on the mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The braking process is divided into two distinct phases: a fluidic braking phase that handles the majority of deceleration without wear, and a mechanical braking phase that provides final stopping with minimal wear. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific function, reducing overall component wear while maintaining high deceleration performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluidic braking phase using pneumatic pressure applied to the braking chamber. This fluid-based braking mechanism handles the primary deceleration load without direct mechanical contact, eliminating wear during the main braking event while the mechanical damper provides only supplementary final stopping.
2Productivity
If the braking phase is shortened, then productivity is improved, but sufficient braking effect may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The braking phase is segmented into fluidic and mechanical sub-phases that operate simultaneously but with different weightings. The fluidic phase provides progressive deceleration over a longer duration, while the mechanical phase delivers immediate high-force braking, achieving both short overall braking time and sufficient braking effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges fluidic braking and mechanical braking into a unified braking system that operates in coordinated phases. The fluidic pressure buildup occurs simultaneously with mechanical damper engagement, creating a combined braking effect that achieves rapid deceleration while maintaining reliability through redundant braking mechanisms.
3Reliability
If fluid pressure is maintained throughout the braking phase, then braking control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pressure is applied periodically rather than continuously - specifically during the fluidic braking phase when deceleration is needed. The pressure is switched off during the pressing phase when the actuator is already at or near the end position, reducing energy consumption while maintaining braking control when actually required.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pressure is applied in advance during the fluidic braking phase to prepare for the final stopping. This preliminary fluidic deceleration reduces the speed before mechanical braking engages, allowing the mechanical damper to complete the stopping with minimal force and energy expenditure.
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
This combination results in a robust and efficient braking system that minimizes wear on components during fluidic braking and provides high deceleration performance during mechanical braking, ensuring safe handling of heavy masses and preventing unintentional movement from the end position.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical braking phase is carried out in which the actuator is braked by means of a mechanical damper
Implementation Method 2
the braking chamber is ventilated, and that after initiation of the fluidic braking phase
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Disclosed is a swiveling unit for swiveling objects, comprising a housing and at least one piston which delimits at least two chambers, further comprising an adjustable element which can be moved in different movement phases according to the distance traveled by the piston; the deceleration phase of the adjustable element includes a fluidic deceleration phase and a mechanical deceleration phase, and the mechanical deceleration phase is followed by a pressing phase.