Wireless Position-Sensing Cylinder With Self-Powered Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders require external cabling for position detection, which is cumbersome and prone to errors, limiting flexibility and assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder design with integrated position detection units that utilize wireless transmission and an internal energy generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy to power the detection system, eliminating the need for external power sources and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If external cabling is used for position detection, then power supply and signal transmission are reliable, but assembly complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply and signal transmission functions from external sources and integrates them into the position detection unit itself through wireless communication and internal energy generation, eliminating the need for external cabling and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The position detection unit is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating an internal energy generator that converts kinetic energy from piston movement into electrical energy, allowing the unit to power itself without external power supply connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless transmission is used, then flexibility and positioning freedom improve, but energy supply becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The position detection unit incorporates an internal energy generator that converts kinetic energy from piston movement into electrical energy, allowing the unit to power itself autonomously without requiring external power supply connections
Solution Approach 2:
The energy generation system is designed to dynamically convert the kinetic energy from piston movement into electrical energy, adapting to the motion characteristics of the piston to generate power on-demand for wireless transmission
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
Enables flexible and reliable position detection with reduced assembly effort, enhancing system robustness and reducing susceptibility to errors by using battery-free radio sensors and mechanical actuation.
Implementation Method 1
the energy generator unit converts the piston's kinetic energy into electrical energy to power the position detection unit
Implementation Method 2
a transmitter unit for generating a signal for wirelessly transmitting the actual position to a control unit
Implementation Method 3
the energy generator unit is designed as a battery and/or a piezo element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a cylinder 1, comprising: - a cylinder housing 10 and a piston 20, wherein the piston 20 is movably mounted in the cylinder housing 10 between a retracted position P1 and an extended position P2 along a piston axis 30, - wherein at least one position detection unit 40 is provided, by means of which the actual position of the piston 20 with respect to the piston axis 30 can be determined, wherein - the at least one position detection unit 40 comprises a transmitter unit 41 for generating a signal for wireless transmission of the actual position to a control unit 100 and/or the at least one position detection unit 40 comprises an internal energy generator unit 42 for supplying energy to the position detection unit 40.