Electric Actuator Conductive Plate Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric actuators with plastic casings are prone to malfunction due to sensitivity to temperature and humidity variations, requiring strict positioning allowances that are difficult to maintain, especially when using plastic materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conductive plate and intermediate shaft that facilitate electrical contact between the motor and controller, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the assembly process, while the conductive plate helps stabilize the geometry of the actuator casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic casing is used for the actuator, then the actuator can be manufactured with lighter weight and lower cost, but the geometry of the casing becomes highly sensitive to temperature and humidity variations, increasing the risk of malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A metal plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the plastic casing and the drive shaft. This metal plate serves as a stable reference element that is not sensitive to environmental variations, thereby mediating the positioning requirements and reducing the complexity of maintaining strict positioning allowances in the plastic casing.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid metal plate is added to position the drive shaft, then the positioning precision is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged with the existing upper part of the plastic casing by integrating the metal plate as a component of the upper part. This merging approach allows the metal plate to serve dual purposes: maintaining positioning precision while being part of the existing structural assembly, thereby reducing the need for separate positioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides positioning reference for the drive shaft, serves as a mounting surface for the intermediate shaft receiving housing, and acts as a structural element of the upper part. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
3Reliability
If multiple separate members are provided in the upper part for electrical contact and positioning, then the reliability of electrical connection is improved, but the production and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact function is merged with the positioning function by making the intermediate shaft itself conductive and using it as the electrical contact element. This eliminates the need for separate electrical contact members, thereby simplifying production and assembly while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the motor and controller.
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 the complexity of the upper part's production and eases assembly, ensuring reliable operation by maintaining precise positioning and reducing the risk of malfunction caused by environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate shaft (69) made from an electrically conductive material bearing a toothed wheel (71) meshing with the drive pinion (57), the intermediate shaft being engaged in an intermediate orifice (75) of the plate and being in contact with the plate
Data Source
AI summary
An electric actuator comprises a motor and a plate, wherein the motor has an electric contact in electrical contact with the plate. An intermediate shaft is in contact with the plate. A controller is fixed to an upper part of the actuator. The controller has an electrical output electrically communicating with the electric contact of the motor through the intermediate shaft and the plate.