Actuator Anti-rotation bracket positioning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuator assemblies face issues with anti-rotation bracket mounting, leading to potential disengagement and binding due to off-centered configurations, which can result from constrained installation environments and limited user visibility, affecting torque transfer and actuator performance.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a spring clip mechanism that self-centers the anti-rotation bracket during installation, allowing for a secure centered arrangement while accommodating eccentric motion during operation, ensuring efficient torque transfer and preventing component binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anti-rotation bracket is mounted in a conventional manner without positioning guidance, then the installation process is simple and quick, but the bracket may become off-centered leading to disengagement and binding during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device with engagement structure is pre-installed on the actuator housing to provide guiding action during the installation of the anti-rotation bracket. The engagement structure defines travel paths that preliminarily guide the securement element to the correct position before final tightening, preventing off-centered mounting without requiring complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device acts as an intermediary component between the actuator housing and the anti-rotation bracket. The engagement structure of the positioning device temporarily guides the securement element during installation, ensuring proper centering while accommodating eccentric motion during operation, thus mediating between the two components.
2Ease of operation
If the engagement structure allows full travel path during installation, then the securement element can be easily positioned, but the actuator cannot accommodate eccentric loading during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure transitions from a static guiding feature during installation to a dynamic accommodating feature during operation. During installation, the engagement structure guides the securement element along a first travel path to ensure proper positioning. During operation, the same engagement structure allows a second, longer travel path that accommodates eccentric loading while maintaining torque transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective travel path length of the engagement structure changes based on the operational state. During installation, the travel path is limited to a first length for precise positioning. During operation, the travel path extends to a second, greater length to accommodate eccentric motion. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for either installation ease or operational adaptability as needed.
3Power
If the securement element is positioned at the center of the securement slot, then torque transfer is optimized, but the actuator cannot accommodate off-centered mounting in constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device with engagement structure provides preliminary centering action during installation to ensure the securement element is properly positioned for optimal torque transfer. This preliminary positioning action allows the system to achieve centered mounting even in constrained environments where visual alignment would be difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure provides self-aligning functionality during installation. As the securement element is inserted and moved along the defined travel path, the engagement structure automatically guides it to the correct position without requiring external alignment tools or complex procedures, enabling proper torque transfer alignment in constrained environments.
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 positioning device ensures proper alignment and movement of the actuator relative to the anti-rotation bracket, preventing disengagement and binding, and allowing for efficient torque transfer, thus enhancing the reliability and performance of the actuator assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning device is defined by a spring clip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
During installation, an engagement structure (150) of an actuator assembly (10) positioning device restricts movement of a securement element of an anti-rotation bracket (50) past a target location (e.g. midpoint) relative to a securement slot (65) of an thereby, thereby guiding a user in positioning the anti-rotation bracket and actuator in a desired mounting arrangement. An optional constricting structure (180) of the positioning device provides tactile feedback that the desired arrangement of the anti-rotation bracket and actuator has been reached. Upon being subject to a force in excess of a threshold force (e.g., as a result of eccentric loading on the actuator arising from an off-centered mounting of the actuator relative to a rotatable shaft), the engagement structure transitions to a second configuration in which the securement element (55) is allowed to move past the target location, thereby accommodating eccentric movement of the actuator during operation.