Linear Actuator Brake Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators with non-self-locking spindles face issues with heat generation and dimensional stability due to friction between the cylindrical spring and worm wheel, leading to potential damage and noise, especially when the power is cut off, and existing solutions are either expensive or complex.
Innovation Solution
Designing a linear actuator with a cylindrical spring located on a separate element independent of the gearwheel, allowing heat to be diverted and the spring to be easily replaced without affecting the worm wheel, and incorporating a metal bushing to reduce frictional heat and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring is placed on the worm wheel, then the braking function is achieved, but heat generation and dimensional instability occur leading to potential damage and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the spring from the worm wheel by introducing an independent mounting location. The spring is now mounted on the actuator housing or a dedicated bracket rather than directly on the worm wheel, dividing the braking system into independent components that can be thermally managed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is extracted from its traditional mounting position on the worm wheel and relocated to a separate mounting location. This extraction removes the heat generation problem from the worm wheel while maintaining the braking function through the same spring mechanism.
2Reliability
If the spring is placed on the worm wheel, then the braking function is achieved, but the worm wheel becomes damaged and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking system by mounting the spring independently away from the worm wheel. This segmentation prevents the spring's mechanical stress and heat from compromising the worm wheel's structural integrity while maintaining braking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is taken out from direct contact with the worm wheel and mounted separately. This extraction eliminates the harmful interactions between the spring and worm wheel that cause damage and noise, while the braking function is preserved through the same spring mechanism acting on the drum.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a metal bushing is added to reduce friction, then heat and noise are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metal bushing as an intermediary component between the spring and the drum. This bushing reduces friction and heat generation while maintaining the braking function. The bushing is a simple, inexpensive component that provides significant thermal and frictional benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter by introducing a metal bushing with low-friction properties. This parameter change reduces the coefficient of friction between the spring and drum, thereby reducing heat generation and noise without significantly increasing complexity.
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
This design reduces heat impact on the worm wheel, allows for easy repair of damaged components, and maintains effective braking without increasing costs or complexity, while ensuring the actuator retains its position under maximum load when power is cut off.
Implementation Method 1
a brake comprising a coil spring in connection with a cylindrical element for retaining the adjustment element in the given position it has reached, when the power for the electric motor is cut off
Implementation Method 2
heat generation and dimensional stability due to friction between the cylindrical spring and worm wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes an electric motor, which through a transmission drives a spindle unit having a spindle with a spindle nut. A tubular adjustment element is displaced either outwards or inwards depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle unit. A brake in the shape of a coil spring and a cylindrical element are arranged for retaining the tubular adjustment element in a given position when the power for the electric motor is cut off. The cylindrical element is configured as a separate cylindrical element arranged on the spindle or a shaft in the transmission. The separate cylindrical element is preferably arranged on a rear end of the spindle between the rear mounting and the bearing for the spindle. In contrast to known constructions, the heat generation is limited, as the heat is led out to the rear mounting.