Work Cylinder Mechanical Locking for Secure Axial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current working cylinder devices with the plunger design lack efficient mechanical position securing mechanisms, requiring complex and costly locking systems, which are difficult to synchronize and operate, especially when lifting large or sensitive objects like aircraft, necessitating a more secure and cost-effective solution for maintaining axial position and reducing the number of operators needed.
Innovation Solution
A working cylinder device with a mechanical position safeguard system that uses cooperating securing elements outside the cylinder, featuring latching projections and recesses on the piston and cylinder, respectively, which can be positively locked and maintained without pressure, utilizing a second pressure chamber for external force application and a guide projection for radial movement, ensuring secure axial positioning and synchronization of multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical position securing mechanism is implemented in working cylinder devices with plunger design, then the axial position can be maintained securely, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring locking nuts, threads, and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the position securing function from the traditional locking nut and thread system, relocating it to the piston rod end where latching projections interact with latching recesses in the cylinder. This removes the need for separate locking nuts and threads, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining secure position holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the position securing function with the existing piston rod and cylinder structure by integrating latching projections directly onto the piston rod end and corresponding latching recesses into the cylinder. This consolidation eliminates separate locking components and reduces assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used in multi-stage working cylinder units, then position security is achieved, but the synchronization and operation difficulty increases requiring multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service operation through automatic synchronization of multiple working cylinder units. The control system automatically coordinates the extension and retraction of multiple cylinders, and the latching mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on position feedback, eliminating the need for manual synchronization by multiple operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the axial position of piston rods and automatically adjust operation to maintain synchronization across multiple working cylinder units. This feedback control enables single-operator management of previously multi-operator systems.
3Reliability
If locking nuts with threads are applied to the piston rod, then mechanical position securing is achieved, but wear and corrosion protection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threading and locking nut components from the piston rod design, replacing them with smooth-surfaced latching projections. This elimination of threads removes the associated wear and corrosion protection requirements, simplifying manufacturing and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of securing the piston rod through threading into a locking nut, the invention inverts the approach by using latching projections on the piston rod that engage with latching recesses in the cylinder. This reversal eliminates the need for threaded connections and their associated protective measures.
4Reliability
If external threading is provided on the piston rod for locking purposes, then position securing is possible, but the guidance and support area for the piston rod is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the external threading from the piston rod surface, relocating the position securing function to latching projections that engage with internal latching recesses in the cylinder. This removal of external threads preserves the full cylindrical surface area of the piston rod for guidance and support functions.
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 secure, cost-effective, and efficient means to maintain the axial position of the piston rod, allowing for synchronized operation of multiple working cylinder units with a reduced number of operators, enhancing safety and reducing the complexity and cost of locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The extension of the piston rod takes place by the first pressure chamber (1, 1') being subjected to a lifting pressure
Implementation Method 2
the pressure in the second pressure chamber (2, 2') is increased to such a detent pressure p5 that causes the detent segments (4a) to extend radially
Implementation Method 3
a compression spring (8) arranged between a bottom of the receiving recess (7) and a radial rear side of the detent segment (4a)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
In order to secure the extension position of the piston rod (22, 22') in a working cylinder device (100), in particular a multi-stage device with at least one working cylinder unit (50), not only by means of the working pressure in the cylinder (1, 1') of the working cylinder unit (50), but also mechanically, a mechanical locking mechanism is provided by locking elements (4a, b) inside the working cylinder device (100), which is activated exclusively by means of the applied working pressure (1st pressure chamber) and released by means of the pressure in a 2nd pressure chamber.