Pneumatic Telescopic Column Latching for Defined Retraction Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumatic telescopic columns lack a consistent extension and retraction sequence, leading to unpredictable behavior due to factors like lubricant distribution and wear, and require manual operation for retraction, which is inefficient and prone to 'bounce' phenomena during retraction.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic pneumatic telescopic column assembly with a defined extension and retraction sequence, utilizing a system of latches and actuators that ensures a controlled and consistent movement by engaging and disengaging specific tube groups in a predetermined order, preventing 'bounce' and eliminating the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual blocking is used to constrain tubular elements, then the column can be extended and retracted, but it requires manual operation and is prone to bounce phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking system automatically engages and disengages based on the telescopic column's extension and retraction movements. The latches self-activate through the motion itself, with no manual intervention required, transforming a manual operation into a self-service automatic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The latches are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to engage blocking surfaces before the tubular elements reach their full extended or retracted positions. This preliminary engagement prevents bounce phenomena by establishing mechanical constraints in advance of the movement completion.
2Extent of automation
If semi-automatic blocking with torsional springs is used, then extension is automatic, but retraction still requires manual operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking system performs both extension and retraction operations automatically without human intervention. The latches self-disengage during retraction through the reverse motion, eliminating the need for an operator to manually release them, thus reducing retraction time and achieving full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring manual action to release the latches during retraction, the system is designed so that the retraction motion itself automatically releases the latches. The blocking and unblocking actions are inverted from the conventional approach, allowing fully automatic operation in both directions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no defined extension sequence is implemented, then the column can move freely, but the extension and retraction sequence becomes unpredictable due to lubricant distribution and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic column is divided into discrete tube groups with individual latches for each stage. This segmentation allows independent control of each extension stage, ensuring a defined sequence where latches engage and disengage in a predetermined order, eliminating unpredictability while maintaining movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The latches are pre-positioned to engage blocking surfaces in a specific sequence during extension. This preliminary positioning ensures that tube groups extend in a predetermined order rather than randomly, improving reliability of the extension sequence while preserving the adaptability of the telescopic mechanism.
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 solution provides a safe, precise, and consistent extension and retraction process, eliminating the 'bounce' issue and allowing for fully automatic operation without the need for an operator, ensuring reliable and efficient movement of equipment.
Implementation Method 1
means for injecting and discharging air, which are suitable to move such a plurality of tube groups 2
Implementation Method 2
comprises at least one latch 32, at least one actuator 35 and at least one elastic element 25
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic telescopic column assembly for supporting and moving military equipment, communication equipment, lighting equipment and/or surveillance equipment is provided. The pneumatic telescopic column assembly extends along an axis and has a plurality of tube groups telescopically configurable between a compact configuration and an extended configuration. The plurality of tube groups has a base tube group, an intermediate tube group and a head tube group. The base tube group has a base tube element and a base locking ring that has at least one horizontal latch, at least one actuator and at least one vertical latch. The intermediate tube group has an intermediate tubular element and an intermediate locking ring that has at least one horizontal intermediate latch. The tubular head group has a tubular head element.