Linear Actuator Quick Release Mechanism with Adjustable Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators with quick release mechanisms cause discomfort to patients due to sudden impact when returning to original position in power outage situations, as they lack speed-adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A speed-adjustable quick release mechanism for linear actuators, comprising a transferring set, a supporting set, a braking worm gear, a braking worm shaft, and an elastic pressing assembly, which allows for adjustable retraction speed by varying the pressing force between the braking worm gear and shaft, enabling controlled retraction without sudden impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a quick release mechanism is used to return the hospital bed to its original position quickly, then the response time is improved, but the impact force increases causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the braking force adjustable rather than fixed. The elastic pressing assembly allows the braking force to be modified according to different operational conditions, enabling the system to adapt between quick release (high speed, low braking) and comfortable return (controlled speed, high braking) modes, thus resolving the contradiction between response time and impact force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the pressing force on the braking worm shaft to be adjusted. This changes the braking characteristics dynamically, enabling the system to optimize the balance between retraction speed and impact force based on whether a quick release or a comfortable return is needed, thereby resolving the technical contradiction
2Productivity
If the telescopic tube retracts rapidly in a power outage situation, then the quick release function is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to sudden impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the braking characteristic to change from fixed to adjustable. The elastic pressing assembly allows operators to modify the braking force level, transforming the system from a single-mode quick release mechanism to a multi-mode system that can balance retraction speed and patient comfort based on situational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the pressing force parameter to be adjusted. This enables the system to modify the relationship between retraction speed and braking force, allowing for controlled retraction that maintains productivity while reducing harmful impact forces that affect patient comfort
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 mechanism allows for controlled and reduced impact retraction of the telescopic tube in power outage situations, enhancing patient comfort by adjusting the retraction speed based on the pressing force, thus addressing the discomfort issue.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic pressing assembly, which presses elastically on the worm shaft, and the elastic pressing assembly adjusts a pressing force by an external force
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator (1) includes an actuator mechanism (10), a telescopic mechanism (20) and a quick release mechanism (30, 30a). The quick release mechanism (30, 30a) includes a transferring set (31, 31a) connected with the telescopic tube (20), a supporting set (32, 32a) and a braking worm gear (33, 33a) sleeved on the transferring set (31, 31a), a braking worm shaft (34, 34a) connected with the supporting set (32, 32a) and selectively braking the braking worm gear (33, 33a). An elastic pressing assembly (35, 35a) presses elastically on the worm shaft (34, 34a), and the elastic pressing assembly exerted by an external force can adjust the pressing force pressed on the braking worm shaft (34, 34a).