Electric Actuator Board Cover for Foreign Matter Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators face challenges in preventing foreign matter from entering the control circuit due to the integral assembly of the motor body, requiring multiple sealing locations which complicates the configuration.
Innovation Solution
The electric actuator design includes a housing with a board cover that separates the motor and speed reduction mechanism from the board, forming a labyrinth structure to prevent foreign matter entry, reducing the number of sealing locations to one, and using a board cover inside the housing to shield the board from abrasion particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor body is integrally assembled with the control circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but foreign matter can easily enter the control circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a case and a board cover that can be separated. The board cover forms a separate enclosure around the control circuit board, while the case houses the motor and speed reduction mechanism. This segmentation allows independent sealing of the control circuit from foreign matter sources while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the case and the board cover. This seal member prevents foreign matter from entering through the joint between these two housing components, effectively blocking the primary intrusion path while allowing the housing to remain separable for assembly and maintenance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple sealing locations are provided to prevent foreign matter entry, then the protection against foreign matter is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit board is extracted from the common housing space and enclosed within a separate board cover. This extraction creates a dedicated sealed environment for the control circuit, isolating it from foreign matter generated by the motor and speed reduction mechanism without requiring multiple seal locations throughout the entire housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into functionally distinct regions: the case containing the motor and speed reduction mechanism, and the board cover containing the control circuit. This segmentation concentrates sealing requirements to the interface between these segments rather than requiring multiple seals across the entire housing structure.
3Device complexity
If the board is placed inside the common housing with motor and speed reduction mechanism, then the housing structure is simplified, but abrasion particles can reach the board
Solution Approach 1:
The board cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the control circuit board and the motor/speed reduction mechanism. This intermediate structure prevents abrasion particles generated by the mechanical components from reaching the board, while the seal member at the board cover interface blocks particle intrusion at the joint location.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit board is taken out from the common housing space and placed within a separate board cover enclosure. This extraction physically isolates the board from the source of abrasion particles (motor and speed reduction mechanism), protecting it without requiring complex filtration or ventilation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric actuator includes a motor, a speed reduction mechanism, a board, a housing, and a board cover. The speed reduction mechanism decelerates a rotation of the motor and transmits it to an output shaft. An electronic component related to drive control of the motor is mounted on the board. The housing has a case and a cover, and houses the motor, the speed reduction mechanism, and the board therein. A board cover engages with the case inside the housing and separates the motor and speed reduction mechanism from the board.