Electric Actuator Cable Passage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators for closing screens, solar protection, and projection systems face challenges in easily inserting power cables due to the increased section caused by lugs, requiring complex preparation and additional conductor length, which complicates handling and increases storage needs.
Innovation Solution
An electric actuator design featuring a console with a radial housing and plug system that allows easy cable insertion without lug hindrance, using a plug with complementary slideways and a baffle to maintain cable position and sealing, ensuring the cable passage matches the nominal section of the motor power cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is fitted with lugs at the end of conductors, then the connection reliability is improved, but the cable section increases making it difficult to pass through the console opening
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passage is segmented into two parts: a first portion for passing the cable with lugs through the console opening, and a second portion for receiving the cable after passing. This segmentation allows the opening to be optimized forlug passage while the receiving portion accommodates the full cable section.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable passage extends in the axial direction of the winding tube, creating a three-dimensional solution. The radial opening provides a large cross-sectional area for lug passage, while the axial extension provides sufficient volume for cable reception and positioning without increasing the console opening size.
2Ease of operation
If individual passage of each conductor is performed, then the cable can pass through the opening, but the handling time increases and conductor length must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passage is segmented into a first portion for passing the cable with lugs and a second portion for receiving it. This allows the entire cable assembly to be inserted as one unit through the radially extending opening, eliminating the need for individual conductor passage and significantly reducing handling time.
3Device complexity
If the cable passage section is reduced to match the nominal cable section, then the actuator complexity is reduced, but the cable with lugs cannot pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passage is divided into a first portion (the radial opening) sized to accommodate the cable with lugs, and a second portion (the axial extension) that provides the necessary volume for cable reception. This segmentation allows the opening to be larger than the nominal cable section without increasing the overall actuator complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the cross-sectional area of the cable passage (which would increase complexity), the solution extends the passage in the axial dimension. The radial opening provides adequate area for lug passage, while the axial length provides the necessary volume for cable reception, maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The actuator (1), designed to fit inside a roller tube carrying a shutter or screen (3) and rotated by the output shaft (111) of a motor (11), has the cable (16) feeding the motor passing through a passage in the bracket (15) supporting the end of the tube. The passage has radial and axial sections, and a diameter corresponding to the nominal section of the cable. It can be formed by an open channel in the bracket, leaving a portion that is closed by an insert (19) once the cable has been fitted.