Actuator Quick-Release Mechanism with Dialing Motion Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators with quick-release mechanisms have complex structures, making assembly and operation difficult, and require high production costs, with a small reaction force during engagement and disengagement, complicating their use.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a simplified structure with a base, electric motor, transmission mechanism, quick-release mechanism, elastic member, and dialing mechanism, where the quick-release mechanism includes a first cylinder fixed to the lead screw shaft and an axially movable second cylinder with teeth slots, and an elastic member clamped between the worm gear assembly and the second cylinder, allowing for stable torque transmission with reduced user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a known quick-release mechanism with two cylindrical connection parts is used, then the actuator can achieve rapid adjustment and shifting, but the structure becomes complicated with many components, increasing assembly difficulty and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two separate cylindrical connection parts into a single integrated cylinder structure. The first cylinder is fixed to the lead screw shaft while the second cylinder rotates with the worm gear, and they are positioned to engage with each other. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the quick-release functionality for rapid adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cylinder structure serves multiple functions: it provides both the fixed mounting point and the rotating engagement point, eliminates the need for separate connection components, and maintains the quick-release capability. This multi-functional design reduces assembly complexity and production costs while achieving the same rapid adjustment performance.
2Ease of operation
If a push method is used to actuate the engagement and disengagement of the cylindrical connection parts, then the quick-release mechanism can function, but the reaction force generated is relatively small, leading to inconvenience in use and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dialing mechanism with a rotating piece that has a curved or arc-shaped dial arm. When the user rotates the dialing mechanism, the dial arm pushes the second cylinder along an arc path, converting rotational motion into linear displacement. This curved action provides better mechanical advantage and generates sufficient reaction force for reliable engagement and disengagement, making the operation more convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The dialing mechanism converts the linear push action into a rotational dimension. By rotating the dialing mechanism, the user applies force in a rotational direction, which is then converted into linear motion of the dial arm pushing the second cylinder. This dimensional transformation provides greater mechanical advantage and generates higher reaction force compared to direct linear pushing.
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 design simplifies assembly and operation, ensures stable transmission, and reduces the required pulling force by converting arc motion into linear motion, enhancing usability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member is elastically clamped between the worm gear assembly and the second cylinder
Implementation Method 2
By locking the pulling rod onto the rotating piece, the arc swing movement is translated into a linear motion, which greatly reduces the required pulling force to be exerted by the user
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator with a quick-release mechanism includes a base (10); an electric motor (20) including a worm shaft (212); a transmission mechanism (30) including a worm gear assembly (31), a lead screw shaft (32) and a bearing (33); a quick-release mechanism (40) including first and second cylinders (41, 42) attached to the lead screw shaft (32); an elastic member (50) clamped between the worm gear assembly (31) and the second cylinder (42) and a dialing mechanism (60) including a rotating piece (62) pivotally attached to the base (10); and wherein the worm gear assembly (31) including protruding teeth (316); the second cylinder (42) includes teeth slots (424) engaged with the protruding teeth (316) for engaged or disengaged transmission; and the rotating piece (62) includes a dial arm (621) to push the second cylinder (42) to disengage from the worm gear assembly (31) for torque transmission.