Hollow segmented linear actuator

Abstract

A segmented linear actuator system is disclosed, comprising four or more segmented components connected by interlocking protrusions and arranged circumferentially to form a rigid component defining a hollow longitudinally closed structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems for linear actuation, and more particularly to segmented linear actuator systems. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to a first aspect, a segmented linear actuator is provided, comprising: a plurality of segmented members, an even number and four or more, arranged circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis of the segmented linear actuator to form a longitudinally closed structure, each segmented member comprising: a plurality of segments connected together and arranged to extend longitudinally, each segment comprising: a protrusion extending from the segment for engaging with a protrusion of a segment of an adjacent other segmented member.

[0003] In some implementations, adjacent segment members are offset longitudinally by a distance equal to half the period length of a segment within each segment member.

[0004] In some embodiments, the segments of the segmented member are connected together such that they form a rigid, slender member in an extended state and can rotate freely relative to each other about an axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

[0005] In some implementations, each protrusion of each segment member engages with two protrusions of adjacent other segment members, such that they interlock.

[0006] In some implementations, the protrusions of the segments extend laterally from each segment of the segmented member.

[0007] In some implementations, the protrusions of the segments extend inward from each segment of the segmented member.

[0008] In some embodiments, each protrusion includes an outwardly flared tab protrusion, the outwardly flared tab protrusion including: a flat mounting portion for mounting the outwardly flared tab protrusion to the segment; and a flat extension portion extending from the mounting portion at an angle perpendicular to the mounting portion, the mounting portion and the extension portion forming an L-shape, the extension portion being outwardly flared such that the longitudinal dimension of the extension portion is wider away from the segment and the longitudinal dimension of the extension portion is narrower closer to the segment.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outwardly flared tabs open outward at an angle such that once adjacent outwardly flared tabs interlock, they restrict and guide the segmented members to move toward and in opposite directions when subjected to external stress.

[0010] In some embodiments, the outwardly flared tabs flare outward at an angle of approximately 15° to the vertical direction of the mounting portion.

[0011] According to another aspect, a segmented component for a segmented linear actuator is provided, the segmented linear actuator comprising a plurality of segmented components, an even number and four or more, arranged circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis of the segmented linear actuator to form a longitudinally closed structure, wherein adjacent segmented components are offset longitudinally, the segmented component comprising: a plurality of segments connected together and arranged to extend longitudinally, each segment comprising: a protrusion extending from the segment for engaging with a protrusion of a segment of an adjacent other segmented component.

[0012] According to another aspect, an outwardly flared tab for a segmented linear actuator is provided. The segmented linear actuator includes a plurality of segmented members, an even number and four or more, arranged circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the segmented linear actuator to form a longitudinally closed structure. Adjacent segmented members are offset longitudinally and include: a plurality of segments connected together and arranged to extend longitudinally. Each segment includes: an outwardly flared tab for engaging with outwardly flared tabs of segments of adjacent segmented members. The outwardly flared tab includes: a flat mounting portion for mounting the outwardly flared tab to the segment; and a flat extension portion extending from the mounting portion at an angle perpendicular to the mounting portion, the mounting portion and the extension portion forming an L-shape. The extension portion flares outward such that the extension portion is wider away from the segment in longitudinal dimension and narrower near the segment in longitudinal dimension.

[0013] Given the detailed description of the various embodiments and / or aspects made with reference to the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and additional aspects and embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and a brief description of the drawings will now be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The foregoing and other advantages of this disclosure will become clear from reading the following detailed description and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal view of an assembled segmented linear actuator according to an embodiment, wherein the segmented components of the segmented linear actuator have interlocking protrusions extending laterally or circumferentially.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a side view of an assembled segmented linear actuator according to an embodiment, wherein the segmented components of the segmented linear actuator have interlocking protrusions.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a detailed side view of the assembled segmented linear actuator according to an embodiment, wherein the segmented components of the segmented linear actuator have multiple interlocking protrusions.

[0018] Figure 4AThis is a side view of the segmented components of a linear actuator according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4B for Figure 4A Front view of the segmented components.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a front view of the linear actuator according to the embodiment during the assembly process.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal view of an assembled segmented linear actuator according to an embodiment, wherein the segmented components of the segmented linear actuator have inwardly extending interlocking protrusions.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal view of an assembled segmented linear actuator according to an embodiment, wherein the segmented components of the segmented linear actuator have laterally extending interlocking tabs.

[0023] Figure 8 It is an oblique projection view of adjacent segment members of the assembled segmented linear actuator according to the embodiment, the segment members of the segmented linear actuator having interlocking tab protrusions.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a detailed front view of the interlocking tabs of adjacent segmental components of the assembled segmented linear actuator according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a detailed front view of the interlocking tabs of adjacent segmented components in the form of adjacent chains of the assembled segmented linear actuator according to the embodiment.

[0026] While this disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments or implementations have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, this disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Linear actuators typically have the limitation that their extension length is finitely proportional to their retracted length. For example, the retracted length of a hydraulic cylinder cannot be less than the length of a single-stroke, single-stage actuator. This applies to both single-stage and telescopic actuators. Scissor mechanisms present a different problem: poor stability when extended. The extended mechanism contains the same material as the retracted mechanism, therefore the structural components must be designed to be more robust. Furthermore, given the envelope shape, the structure is composed of open triangles, making it highly susceptible to deformation under axial loads in three directions. When packaging constraints and mechanical stability are the primary driving factors for design requirements, these limitations necessitate alternative solutions.

[0028] Linear actuators that include interlocked segmented components are known; however, they typically consist of two interlocked segmented components, which cannot form any closed structure. Furthermore, known systems often use custom-molded connection sections with non-standard plates and / or other interlocking forms, and in some cases, the drive assembly of components employs non-standard methods.

[0029] The embodiments described below provide a segmented linear actuator that forms a rigid, hollow, cylindrical closed structure. This segmented linear actuator includes an even number of four or more segmented members, which are interlocked with circumferentially adjacent segmented members via lateral or inward protrusions. The resulting closed structure provides access to a variety of applications, including mechanical, electrical, optical, and fluid mechanics, where a longitudinally rigid, hollow structure of variable length is required. In some embodiments, the protrusions are configured as interlocking tabs, while in others, standard chains with fixed tabs are used as segmented members, allowing for more standardized manufacturing and assembly and reducing customization requirements. Assembly of the segmented linear actuator involves driving four or more segmented members together via appropriately configured electric sprockets, belts, rollers, etc., causing them to mesh together with the protrusions interlocking, thereby forming a rigid, hollow, cylindrical segmented linear actuator.

[0030] When adjacent sections are joined together, the tube elongates, replicating the extension and stability of a similar tube made of similar materials, but with the added benefit of extending from and retracting into a compact housing. The segmented members can fold into a compact housing that is shorter than when fully extended. Segmented linear actuators can be manufactured in different materials and sizes depending on the application. Each segmented member is configured at least longitudinally along its length to ensure rigidity. Due to the rigidity of the segmented members, segmented linear actuators can lift, push, and pull objects vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. Compared to the size and composition of other linear actuators (e.g., linkage actuators), segmented linear actuators can withstand, push, and pull greater weights, and their strength and stability enable them to reach ranges unattainable by other technologies or for use in space-constrained situations. As smaller devices, they can be used as hardware for opening and closing windows or doors, or for extending and retracting tools in production lines or enclosed spaces. As larger tools, segmented linear actuators can be used to lift, push, or pull heavy objects, such as tables or platforms. The interlocking protrusions of the segments improve resistance to buckling and reduce the need for a stabilizing frame. Segmented linear actuators can be used in foldable robot skeletons, such as lifting devices, jacks, or horizontal or vertical push-pull devices.

[0031] See Figure 1 Now we will discuss the top view of the assembled segmented linear actuator 1000.

[0032] The segmented linear actuator 1000 includes a plurality of segmented members 1100 arranged around a longitudinal axis 1001 of the segmented linear actuator 1000 to form a rigid, self-supporting hollow member or rigid tube that generally defines a perimeter 1005 and forms a closed structure or elongated hollow portion 1010 therein. Generally, the terms “longitudinal,” “circumferential,” “lateral,” and “radial” (“outward” and “inward”) used herein should be understood in conjunction with the assembled segmented linear actuator 1000 and its longitudinal axis 1001 and perimeter 1005. In the context of each specific segmented member, “forward” and “rearward” refer to directions away from and towards the longitudinal axis, respectively, while “lateral” generally refers to directions perpendicular to “forward” and “rearward”; therefore, any references to “front,” “rear,” or “side” associated with a segmented member or its segment are thus defined accordingly.

[0033] Each segment member 1100 includes a plurality of segments 1110, which are stacked and connected together in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 1001. On both sides of each segment 1110, protrusions 1115L and 1115R are typically provided in a transverse or circumferential direction, extending generally transversely or circumferentially away from the segment 1110. The protrusions 1115 of segment 1110 overlap and engage with adjacent protrusions 1115AR and 1115BL of adjacent segments 1110A and 1110B above and below in the longitudinal direction, such that segment 1110 interlocks with adjacent segments 1110A and 1110B of adjacent segment members 1100A and 1100B, thereby interlocking adjacent segment members 1100 with each other. The protrusions 1115 may be separate components, elements fixedly attached to segment 1110, or integrally formed with segment 1110.

[0034] The protrusions 1115L and 1115R of segment member 1100 engage with adjacent segments 1110A and 1110B and / or their protrusions 1115AR and 1115BL, while the protrusions 1115AR and 1115BL of adjacent segment members 1100A and 1100B engage with segments 1110 and / or their protrusions 1115L and 1115R to prevent relative movement between segment member 1100 and adjacent segment members 1100A and 110B in the lateral, circumferential, outward, and inward directions, while also preventing relative rotational movement in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1001. Similarly, for each other segment member of the segmented linear actuator 1000, relative movement between adjacent segments is prevented by engagement between the protrusions and the segments themselves. In some embodiments, as described below, the protrusions include outwardly flared tabs that extend laterally and interlock with tabs in adjacent segments. In other embodiments, the protrusions include ball-and-cup / groove arrangements, interlocking ball-to-ball arrangements, or interlocking prism-to-prism arrangements (similar to the tab embodiments described below, but using a wider extrusion form rather than relatively thin metal), or other interlocking mechanisms. Each protrusion is arranged to slide in at an angle and lock after alignment, as will become more apparent in the discussion below.

[0035] See also Figure 2 Each segment member 1100 includes a connecting mechanism that connects the segments 1110 of the segment member 1100 to each other. Although shown in the figure as individual connecting elements 1150 between the segments 1110 of each segment member 1100, the connecting mechanism may be included in the segment 1110 itself, thereby directly connecting the segment to its longitudinally adjacent segment 1110. In any case, as described below in conjunction with Figure 4, the segment 1110 and the connecting element 1150 are connected such that the segment can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and substantially tangential to the circumference 1005.

[0036] Each segment component 1100 is along the longitudinal axis ( Figure 2 The segment (in the y-direction) is offset relative to adjacent segment members 1100A and 1100B such that the protrusions of segment member 1100 and its adjacent segment members 1100A and 1100B alternately overlap and engage. In some embodiments, the longitudinal offset distance of adjacent segment members 1100 is half the period length of the arrangement of segments 1110 within segment member 1100. Each protrusion 1115AR on one side of adjacent segment member 1100A is engaged above and below in the longitudinal direction by protrusion 1115L of segment member 1100, and vice versa, while each protrusion 1115BL on the other side of adjacent segment member 1100B is engaged above and below in the longitudinal direction by protrusion 1115R of segment member 1100, and vice versa. Similarly, for each other segment member of the segmented linear actuator 1000, the protrusions of the segment member are engaged above and below in the longitudinal direction by the protrusions of adjacent segment members. See also Figure 3 A detailed view 1000D of the segmented linear actuator 1000 shows an engagement region 200 between longitudinally arranged portions of the protrusions, such as a portion of the protrusion 1115AR of an adjacent segment member 1100A engaging with a portion of the protrusion 1115L of the segment member 1100.

[0037] Due to the overlapping and alternating arrangement of the protrusions of adjacent segment members, the longitudinally arranged portions of the protrusions engage with each other, thereby preventing relative movement between adjacent segment members in the longitudinal direction. To prevent relative rotation of the segment members about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, and to prevent adjacent members from sliding laterally away from segment member 1100, the protrusions engaging with the protrusions of adjacent segment members are shaped and shaped such that they tend to retain and restrict outward lateral movement, and are preferably shaped to guide adjacent segment members 1100A and 1100B toward segment member 1100 when various stresses are applied.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4, each segment member 1100 has longitudinal rigidity along its length when straightened, for example in the straightened region 1104 of the segment member 1100 shown in Figure 4, as well as when assembled along the longitudinal axis of the assembled segmented linear actuator 1000. Once interlocked, this rigidity combines with the property of preventing relative movement of the segment members 1100 to prevent buckling of the assembled segmented linear actuator 1000.

[0039] If not engaged, segment 1110 can rotate freely about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the segmented linear actuator 1000 via connecting element 1150 or a direct connection mechanism. In this way, multiple segmented components 1100 can be pulled out from a horizontal, coiled, or otherwise disassembled storage configuration 1102 by an electric assembly device (not shown), thereby forming an assembled segmented linear actuator 1000, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the overall diagram, the device conveys segmented components together, interlocking them to form a segmented linear actuator 1000. As briefly described above, the assembly of the segmented components 1100 allows segment 1110 to rotate simultaneously as it is pulled closer and engages with adjacent segmented components 1100 via protrusions 1115. The protrusions are formed in a manner that facilitates assembly and enables interlocking after assembly.

[0040] See also Figure 6 ,although Figures 1 to 5 The protrusions are shown as extending laterally relative to each segment, but they may also be attached to or formed in the inwardly arranged portion of segment 1110 and extend inwardly, such as Figure 6 The segmented member 1100 has protrusions 3115L and 3115R. Adjacent segments 1110A and 1110B of adjacent segmented members 1100A and 1100B have coordinated interlocking protrusions 3115AR and 3115BL, which also extend inward and are positioned. Overall, such as Figure 6 The assembly and function of the embodiment shown are similar to those of the other embodiments described herein, although the space of its internal elongated hollow portion 1010 is smaller.

[0041] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the protrusion includes an L-shaped tab 4115, which is fixed to a segment 1110 of the segment member 1100, and a portion of which extends from the segment 1110 at a 90° angle to the direction in which the segment member 1100 is offset relative to the longitudinal axis 1001, i.e., fixed to the side of the segment 1110 and extending laterally relative to the segment 1110. Extensions 420 of the tab 4115 extend from the segment 1110 and overlap and engage with each other. For example, extensions 420L and 420R of the tabs 4115L and 4115R of the segment member 1100 engage with extensions 420AR of the tab 4115AR of the adjacent segment member 1100A, and with extensions 420BL of the tab 4115BL of the adjacent segment member 1100B. The rigid L-shaped tabs 4115 of the adjacent segment members 1100 contribute to torsional rigidity when fully engaged and interlocked. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8As shown in the oblique view 1000E of the segmented linear actuator, each tab 4115 includes a mounting portion 460 attached to segment 1110 to support an extension 420, and in some embodiments, an arcuate connecting portion 440 to connect the two together. In some embodiments, the mounting portion 460 extends longitudinally into a wing 462, further providing a guide surface to help guide the extension 420 to engage interlocking during assembly. In addition to engaging with each other, the extensions 420 of the tabs in segment 1110 engage with the mounting portions 460 (primarily the wings 462 of the mounting portions 460) of the tabs in adjacent segment 1110A, and in some embodiments, also engage with portions of the arcuate connecting portion 440 at region 200. For example, the rear surface of the extension 420L of the tab 4115L in segment 1110 engages with the outer side surface of the wing 462AR of the mounting portion 460AR in adjacent segment 1110A, while the rear surface of the extension 420AR of the tab 4115AR in adjacent segment 1110A engages with the outer side surface of the wing 462L of the mounting portion 460L in segment 1110. In some embodiments, the protruding tab 4115 does not include the mounting portion 460 or the arcuate connecting portion 440, but extends directly from segment 1110. In some embodiments, the tab 4115 is integrally formed with segment 1110, rather than being fixed thereto.

[0042] See also Figure 9 The tabs 4115 are formed such that the extension portion 420 of each tab 4115 flares outward, that is, the portion farther from the segment 1110 has a wider longitudinal dimension, and the portion closer to the segment 1110 has a narrower longitudinal dimension. For example... Figure 9 As shown in the detailed front view 1000F of the segmented linear actuator 1000, in some embodiments, the extension 420 of the tab 4115 flares outward at an angle of approximately 15° relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1001. The outwardly flared tab 4115 facilitates assembly and, once the segmented linear actuator 1000 is assembled, tends to retain and limit outward lateral movement, and guides adjacent segments 1110 and 1110A to abut against each other when various stresses are applied. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, because the outwardly flared tab 4115L of segment 1110 engages with the outwardly flared tab of adjacent segment 1110A at region 200 (where the extension portion 420L of the outwardly flared tab and the extension portion 420AR of the adjacent outwardly flared tab are narrowest in the longitudinal direction), segment 1110 is prevented from engaging with the adjacent segment 1110A in the positive z-direction ( Figure 9(Outside the page) and moves in the positive x direction. Similarly, since the outwardly flared tab 4115L of segment 1110 engages with the tab of the adjacent segment 1110A at region 200 (where the extension 420L of the outwardly flared tab and the extension 420AR of the adjacent outwardly flared tab are narrowest in the longitudinal direction), the adjacent segment 1110A is prevented from moving relative to segment 1110 in the negative z direction (outside the page) and in the positive x direction. Figure 9 (Within the page) and move in the negative x direction.

[0043] In some embodiments, each tab 4115 is not flared outwards, but instead includes a notch in the engagement region 200 that defines a longitudinal width narrower than the longitudinal width of the remaining extension 420 near its respective segment 1110. Each notch formed at the edge of the extension 420 of the tab 4115 is wide enough to accommodate the thickness of the extension 420AR of the tab 4115AR that engages with it. In some embodiments, the notch is narrow enough to allow the tabs to fit tightly when the segmented components interlock.

[0044] like Figure 10 As shown in the detailed front view 1000G of the segmented linear actuator 1000, in some embodiments, each segment member 1100 includes a chain, and a protrusion 1115 includes a tab 4115 attached to an outer chain plate of the chain. A mounting portion 460 of the tab 4115 is formed to surround a chain pin and provides a surface including a wing 462 for engaging a coordinating extension 420 of the tab of an adjacent segment member. Figure 10 As shown, the natural rotation between links about the pin is converted into a squeezing or clamping force on each tab 4115 by the bidirectional action of the tabs in adjacent segments along the longitudinal axis. This clamping force on each tab 4115 helps prevent buckling of the segmented linear actuator 1000.

[0045] In some specific embodiments, similar to the broader embodiments described above, the segmented linear actuator 1000 includes four chain segments positioned such that they are at 90° to adjacent lengths of chain and interlocked by outwardly flared tabs that capture and contain adjacent tabs at 90°. When the chains are driven by an electric sprocket, they mesh at right angles, forming a rigid hollow column. When the chains are joined together, the tube elongates, replicating the extension and stability of a similar tube made of similar materials, but with the added benefit of extending from and retracting into a compact housing. The chain actuator can be manufactured in different materials and sizes depending on the application. Due to the rigidity of the connecting chains, the actuator can lift, push, and pull objects vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. Compared to other linear chain actuators in size and composition, this actuator can withstand, push, and pull greater weights, and its strength and stability enable it to reach ranges unattainable by other technologies or for use in space-constrained situations. As a smaller device, it can be used as hardware for opening and closing windows or doors, or for extending and retracting tools in production lines or enclosed spaces. As a larger tool, the segmented linear actuator can be used to lift, push, or pull heavy objects, such as tables or platforms. Interlocking chains improve resistance to buckling and reduce the need for a stabilizing frame. This actuator can be used in foldable robot skeletons, such as lifting devices, jacks, or horizontal or vertical push-pull devices. Using any standard chain or common chain type reduces the manufacturing cost and assembly time for each segment, while also reducing the cost of manufacturing drive units, which can be equipped with standardized drive sprockets, etc. In some embodiments, tabs are designed to easily accommodate standard chain types and sizes, while in others, they are sold as kits for manufacturing the segmented components and segmented linear actuators described herein.

[0046] Although the segmented linear actuator 1000 is described and shown as having four segmented members 1100, it should be understood that the segmented linear actuator 1000 may include any even number of segmented members greater than four.

[0047] Although the segmented linear actuator 1000 is described and shown as having the same segmented members 1100, it should be understood that the segmented linear actuator 1000 may include segmented members 1100 with different lateral widths, thereby forming an elliptical arrangement in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or, in the case of four segmented members 1100, forming a rectangle rather than a rectangle. Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The square arrangement shown.

[0048] Although the segmented member 1100 described and shown above includes multiple connecting segments 1110, in some embodiments, the segmented member 1100 is segmented only by having protrusions at regular intervals, thereby defining the segments of the member 1100. In these embodiments, the member 1100 itself comprises continuous flexible members, such as strips, tapes, or other relatively thin and rollable members, such as rollable spring metal, having laterally recessed metal sheets (e.g., metal sheets similar to those used in measuring tapes), rather than segments connected to each other. In some embodiments, the protrusions or tabs are not fixed to the metal strip, but are formed by cutting or stamping the edge contour of the metal strip to create interlocking protrusions, thus achieving a more compact structure and a better ratio of contracted length to elongated length.

[0049] Although specific implementations and applications of this disclosure have been shown and described, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and composition disclosed herein, and various modifications, variations and alterations may become apparent from the foregoing description without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A segmented linear actuator, comprising: Multiple segmented components, an even number and four or more, are arranged circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis of the segmented linear actuator to form a longitudinally closed structure. Each segmented component includes: Multiple sections, connected together and arranged in a longitudinal extension, each section including: A protrusion, extending from the segment, is used to engage with protrusions of adjacent segments of other segmental members.

2. The segmented linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal offset distance of the adjacent segment members is half the period length of the segment within each segment member.

3. The segmented linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, The segments of the segmented member are connected together such that they form a rigid, slender member in an extended state and can rotate freely relative to each other about an axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

4. The segmented linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, Each protrusion of each segment component engages with two protrusions of adjacent other segment components, thus interlocking them.

5. The segmented linear actuator according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusions of the segment extend laterally from each segment of the segmented member.

6. The segmented linear actuator according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusions of the segment extend inward from each segment of the segmented member.

7. The segmented linear actuator according to claim 4, wherein, Each protrusion includes an outwardly flared tab, the outwardly flared tab comprising: A flat mounting portion for mounting the outwardly flared tab to the section; and A flat extension portion extends from the mounting portion at an angle perpendicular to the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the extension portion form an L-shape. The extension portion flares outward so that the longitudinal dimension of the extension portion is wider away from the segment and narrower closer to the segment.

8. The segmented linear actuator according to claim 7, wherein, The outwardly flared tabs open outward at an angle such that once adjacent outwardly flared tabs interlock, they restrict and guide the segmented components to move toward and in opposite directions when subjected to external stress.

9. The segmented linear actuator according to claim 8, wherein, The outwardly flared protrusions open outward at an angle of approximately 15° to the vertical direction of the mounting portion.

10. A segmented component for a segmented linear actuator, comprising a plurality of segmented components, the number being an even number and four or more, arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the segmented linear actuator to form a longitudinally closed structure, wherein, The adjacent segmented members are offset longitudinally, and the segmented members include: Multiple sections, connected together and arranged in a longitudinal extension, each section including: A protrusion, extending from the segment, is used to engage with protrusions of adjacent segments of other segmental members.

11. The segmented component according to claim 10, wherein, The segments of the segmented member are connected together such that they form a rigid, slender member in an extended state and can rotate freely relative to each other about an axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

12. The segmented component according to claim 10, wherein, Each protrusion of each segment component engages with two protrusions of adjacent other segment components, thus interlocking them.

13. The segmented component according to claim 12, wherein, The protrusions of the segment extend laterally from each segment of the segmented member.

14. The segmented component according to claim 12, wherein, The protrusions of the segment extend inward from each segment of the segmented member.

15. The segmented component according to claim 12, wherein, Each protrusion includes an outwardly flared tab, the outwardly flared tab comprising: A flat mounting portion for mounting the outwardly flared tab to the section; and A flat extension portion extends from the mounting portion at an angle perpendicular to the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the extension portion form an L-shape. The extension portion flares outward so that the longitudinal dimension of the extension portion is wider away from the segment and narrower closer to the segment.

16. The segmented component according to claim 15, wherein, The outwardly flared tabs open outward at an angle such that once adjacent outwardly flared tabs interlock, they restrict and guide the segmented components to move toward and in opposite directions when subjected to external stress.

17. The segmented component according to claim 16, wherein, The outwardly flared protrusions open outward at an angle of approximately 15° to the vertical direction of the mounting portion.

18. An outwardly flared tab for a segmented linear actuator, the segmented linear actuator comprising a plurality of segmented components, an even number and four or more, arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the segmented linear actuator to form a longitudinally closed structure, wherein... The adjacent segmented members are offset longitudinally and include multiple segments connected together and arranged to extend longitudinally. Each segment includes an outwardly flared tab for engaging with outwardly flared tabs of segments of adjacent segmented members. The outwardly flared tab includes: A flat mounting portion for mounting the outwardly flared tab to the section; and A flat extension portion extends from the mounting portion at an angle perpendicular to the mounting portion, the mounting portion and the extension portion forming an L-shape; the extension portion flares outward so that the longitudinal dimension of the extension portion is wider away from the segment and the longitudinal dimension of the extension portion is narrower near the segment.

19. The outwardly flaring tab according to claim 18, wherein, The outwardly flared tabs open outward at an angle such that once adjacent outwardly flared tabs of the segmented linear actuator interlock, they restrict and guide the segmented components to move toward and in opposite directions when subjected to external stress.

20. The outwardly flaring tab according to claim 19, wherein, The outwardly flared protrusions open outward at an angle of approximately 15° to the vertical direction of the mounting portion.

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