Swiveling arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swiveling arrangements, such as swiveling beds, have complex constructions and require significant installation space due to the need for multiple gas springs for damping during folding and unfolding operations.
Innovation Solution
A gas spring system with a piston and auxiliary piston arrangement, where the cross-sectional flow areas of connections between chambers change during the swiveling motion to provide differential damping, allowing for a simple construction and reduced installation space by using a single gas spring with varying damping levels based on the direction of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple gas springs are used to provide damping during folding and unfolding operations, then the damping effect is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple gas springs into a single gas spring by incorporating an auxiliary piston with multiple connections that can selectively communicate different chambers. This single integrated component provides the damping effects that previously required multiple separate gas springs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the desired damping performance throughout the swiveling motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic damping characteristics by using connections with different cross-sectional flow areas that are selectively opened during different phases of the swiveling motion. The first connection has a larger cross-sectional area for undamped or lightly damped movement, while the second connection has a smaller cross-sectional area for damped movement, allowing the system to adapt its damping behavior dynamically based on the operational phase.
2Reliability
If multiple gas springs are used to provide damping during folding and unfolding operations, then the damping effect is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple gas spring functions into a single gas spring unit, directly reducing the installation space required while maintaining comprehensive damping coverage. The auxiliary piston with its multiple connections and chambers replaces what would have been multiple separate gas spring assemblies, freeing up installation space without compromising the damping effect during folding and unfolding operations.
3Reliability
If the cross-sectional flow area of connections is reduced to increase damping, then the damping effect is improved, but the force required to initiate movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the damping characteristics by selectively opening different connections with different cross-sectional flow areas during different phases of motion. During initial movement initiation, connections with larger cross-sectional areas are opened to minimize resistance and required force. During subsequent phases where damping is more desirable, connections with smaller cross-sectional areas are opened to provide increased damping, thus optimizing both movement initiation and damping performance throughout the operational cycle.
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 design achieves differential damping during different stages of the swiveling motion, ensuring a gentle and controlled transition between positions while minimizing the installation space required, thus simplifying the construction and reducing the overall space needed for the swiveling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder filled with gas under pressure, the interior of the cylinder being divided into a first working chamber and a second working chamber by a displaceable piston
Implementation Method 2
the swiveling movement of the swiveling element is powered by, and can be damped by, a gas spring
Data Source
AI summary
A swiveling arrangement with a swiveling element swivelable around an axis powered and damped by a gas spring having a cylinder filled with gas and divided into first and second working chambers by a piston that has a piston rod guided through the second working chamber and a guiding and sealing unit. A first connection opened during an outward stroke of the piston from the second to the first working chamber, and a second connection is opened during an inward stroke from the first to the second working chamber that has a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the first connection. An auxiliary piston separates the second working chamber from an auxiliary chamber. A third connection from the auxiliary chamber to the second working chamber opened in the end move-out stroke and a fourth connection from the second working chamber to the auxiliary chamber opened in the move-in stroke.