Telescopic Actuator Locking Mechanism for High Tipping Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo exchanger systems face limitations in tipping angle and load emptying efficiency due to power arrangements that are prone to stress and breakdown, especially when handling uneven surfaces and unexpected loads.

Innovation Solution

A cargo exchanger system with a telescopic power arrangement featuring a locking mechanism for the extension part, allowing for optimal tipping angles and complete load emptying, utilizing a hydraulic cylinder with a secondary piston rod and pressure-controlled locking arrangement to manage stress and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If an extra extendable part is added to the power arrangement to increase tipping angle, then the tipping angle is improved, but the stress on the extendable part increases significantly leading to higher risk of breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetipping angleVSAvoidstress resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The power arrangement is divided into a main cylinder and a separate extendable part (secondary piston rod). The extendable part can be added to increase the tipping angle without permanently altering the main cylinder structure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve greater extension while maintaining the structural integrity of the primary component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extendable part is designed to be dynamically deployable rather than permanently fixed. It can be extended when increased tipping angle is needed and retracted or locked when not required. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its length based on operational needs while managing stress distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the extendable part is made with smaller area to fit within the main cylinder, then the compactness is improved, but the stress concentration increases leading to pressure intensifier effects

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidstress concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

A locking arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the extendable part and the main cylinder. This locking mechanism engages at specific positions to support the extendable part, distributing the load and preventing excessive stress concentration. The locking arrangement effectively mediates the stress transfer, allowing the smaller-area extendable part to function without bearing the full brunt of operational loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking arrangement is added to secure the extendable part, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arrangement is designed to be automatically actuated by the hydraulic pressure system itself. When hydraulic pressure is applied to extend the secondary piston rod, the pressure also triggers the locking mechanism to engage at predetermined positions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate control systems or additional actuators, maintaining simplicity while achieving stable locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the power arrangement is adapted to optimal length for cargo changing, then the loading efficiency is improved, but the tipping angle is limited resulting in incomplete load emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidtipping angle
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power arrangement transitions from a fixed-length design optimized for loading to a dynamically extendable design. The main cylinder maintains its optimal length for cargo changing operations, while the extendable part can be deployed when tipping operations require greater extension. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize for loading efficiency during cargo changes and achieve complete load emptying during tipping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system achieves a higher tipping angle of up to 60 degrees, ensuring complete load emptying and reducing the risk of system overload, particularly beneficial for materials like clay, by distributing stress more evenly and maintaining stability during handling.

Implementation Method 1

a double-acting hydraulic cylinder is normally used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

pressure-controlled locking arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure control: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2113412B1Telescopic actuator for loading and unloading a cargo-carrier on a vehicle
Publication Date: 2011.03.23 BILDSBERG INVESTMENT GROUP BIG
  • EP2113412B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2113412B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP2113412B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

Power arrangement (8) for a trailer for loading and unloading of a cargo carrier, where the trailer has a loading frame that in one end is jointly connected to a bearing frame, where the power arrangement is placed between the bearing frame and the loading frame in order to change the loading frame between different angular positions relative to the bearing frame. The loading frame can pivot between a folded position, in which the loading frame extends along the bearing frame and a maximally rearward facing position. The loading frame in its other end is supplied with a carrier unit with a connection organ for releasable connection with the cargo unit. A hydraulic cylinder has one in the cylinder movable, hydraulically driven piston (29) and piston rod (35). Through this the cargo carriers by means of the power arrangement can be put away and left behind the trailer respectively be retrieved and loaded onto the trailer alternatively be tipped rearward while the cargo carrier is kept in place. The power arrangement exhibits an extension part (25) by way of that the piston rod (35) forms a second cylinder (40) and that a locking arrangement (42) is arranged to keep the second piston and piston rod in place as long as the first piston (29) and piston rod (35) is under extension and that thereafter be reset to a releasing position, allowing extension of the extension part.