Electric Actuator Coupler for Hydraulic Drive Shaft Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators for drive apparatuses require modifications to the control shafts of hydraulic drive devices for compatibility, increasing installation complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
An electric actuator with a rotary design and an adaptor that allows it to be used with multiple existing hydraulic drive devices without modifying their internal or external structures, utilizing a reduction gear train with a worm drive and a position sensor to enable precise control adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art electric actuators are used, then precise control adjustments can be made, but modifications to the control shafts are required
Solution Approach 1:
An adaptor is introduced as an intermediary component between the electric actuator and the hydraulic drive device control shaft. The adaptor features a bore that receives the control shaft and internal threading that engages with the actuator, allowing the actuator to interface with multiple existing hydraulic drive devices without modifying their control shafts, thereby maintaining precision while reducing installation complexity
2Measurement precision
If prior art electric actuators are used, then precise control adjustments can be made, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed with universal compatibility to interface with multiple different hydraulic drive device control shafts. By providing a single adaptor design that can accommodate various control shaft configurations through its bore and engagement features, the system eliminates the need for custom modifications for each device type, thereby reducing manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining precise control capability
3Measurement precision
If prior art electric actuators are used, then precise control adjustments can be made, but structural modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as a mediator that enables the electric actuator to interface with multiple existing hydraulic drive devices without requiring structural modifications to those devices. The adaptor's bore receives various control shaft configurations and its external threading engages with the actuator, providing backward compatibility and ease of installation across different device types
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
Enables easy installation and reduces costs by allowing the electric actuator to integrate with various hydraulic drive devices without structural modifications, enhancing compatibility and operational precision.
Implementation Method 1
the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction
Data Source
AI summary
An electric actuator assembly for controlling the output of a variable output drive device such as a hydraulic transaxle or pump having an output shaft connected to a swash plate for rotation thereof to control the output of the drive device. The output shaft is engaged to and driven by a control shaft of an electric actuator. The assembly includes a clamping coupler to connect and align the output shaft and the control shaft, thereby permitting use of the electric actuator with multiple drive device designs without the need to modify the control shaft of the drive device.