Actuator Motor Braking Device with Coil Spring Torque Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear actuators experience reduced lifespan due to heat generation from friction between a fixed coil spring and a plastic cylindrical annular body, leading to rapid wear and limited braking effectiveness, as the braking mechanism relies on linear contact with a small effective area.
Innovation Solution
A braking device for a motor actuator featuring a base with an elastic unit, a braking mechanism with a braking ring and coil spring, and a stopper, where the coil spring is retracted by elastic force to provide stable braking, and an adjusting lever allows for varying braking forces, simplifying assembly and reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed coil spring and plastic cylindrical annular body are used for braking, then the structure is simple, but heat is generated by friction causing the plastic body to melt or the coil spring to wear out rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the braking ring from plastic to metal, which has higher heat resistance and friction resistance. This parameter change allows the braking components to withstand the heat and friction generated during operation, preventing melting and rapid wear, thereby extending component lifespan while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining metal braking ring with metal components (elastic unit, torque arms) to create a braking system with superior thermal and mechanical properties. This composite metal structure distributes heat and friction loads across multiple durable components, enhancing overall system reliability without significantly increasing complexity
2Device complexity
If linear contact between coil spring and cylindrical annular body is used for braking, then the structure is simple, but the effective contact area is small limiting decelerating or braking ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear contact braking to radial contact braking by arranging multiple torque arms around the braking ring. This dimensional change from one-dimensional linear contact to two-dimensional radial contact significantly increases the effective contact area between the coil spring and braking ring, thereby enhancing braking force while maintaining relatively simple mechanism structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the braking force generation into multiple segments by using several torque arms distributed around the braking ring. Each torque arm provides a contact point, and the combined effect of multiple segmented contact points creates substantial total braking force, overcoming the limitation of small contact area in single-point linear contact systems
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 braking device achieves stable braking with adjustable force, extends the lifespan of components, and enhances user comfort by allowing steady velocity decline in linear actuators, while maintaining a simple structure and low costs.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic unit is disposed at the placed section; the braking mechanism is assembled at the axial connected section, the braking mechanism comprises a braking ring sleeved on the shaft and a coil spring tightened to the outer peripheral edge of the braking ring, a first torque arm and a second torque arm extend from the two ends of the coil spring, and the first torque arm abuts one end of the elastic unit
Data Source
AI summary
A braking device is used in a motor of an actuator having a shaft. The braking device includes a base, an elastic unit, a braking mechanism and a stopper. The base includes an axial connected section and a placed section. The elastic unit is disposed at the placed section. The braking mechanism is assembled at the axial connected section. The braking mechanism includes a braking ring sleeved on the shaft and a coil spring tightened to the outer peripheral edge of the braking ring. A first torque arm and a second torque arm extend from the two ends of the coil spring. The first torque arm abuts one end of the elastic unit. The stopper corresponds to the rotational path of the second torque arm and is disposed at the base. Thereby, the assembly is easier and the braking ring has a more stable effect of braking.