Linear Actuator Dustproof Mechanism with End Plate Covers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing linear actuator with a dustproof mechanism fails to maintain reliable dustproof capability when operated at high speeds, as the pressure increase causes dust to leak through the actuator housing, particularly at both ends.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of end plate covers with elastic members and a dust collection device, including a dust collection compartment with a communication hole and an exhaust fan, along with rotatable rollers made of resin material to enhance dustproof performance and prevent dust leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the linear actuator is operated at high speeds, then productivity is improved, but dustproof capability deteriorates due to pressure increase causing dust leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The housing member is divided into multiple sections with intermediate partitions creating separate compartments. Dustproof belts are segmented into multiple sections (first, second, third dustproof belts) that can independently seal different regions, allowing the system to maintain dustproof capability while operating at high speeds by preventing pressure-induced leakage at any single point.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate partitions act as mediators between the internal high-pressure environment and the external low-pressure environment. These partitions, combined with dustproof belts, create intermediate sealing regions that prevent direct pressure differential from causing dust leakage, enabling high-speed operation without compromising dustproof capability.
2Reliability
If dustproof belts are installed to block openings, then dustproof capability is improved, but the movable stage cannot pass through the openings
Solution Approach 1:
The dustproof belts are designed to be flexible and dynamic rather than rigid fixed barriers. The belts can deform and move with the passage of the movable stage, allowing the stage to travel through the openings while maintaining continuous dustproof sealing. The belts adapt their position dynamically to accommodate stage movement while preserving the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The dustproof belts function as flexible thin film barriers that can conform to the moving stage's passage. These flexible belts maintain the dustproof seal while allowing the movable stage to move freely through the openings, resolving the contradiction between sealing and mobility.
3Reliability
If the housing member is sealed to prevent dust leakage, then dustproof capability is improved, but pressure buildup occurs during high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The internal volume of the housing member is segmented into multiple compartments by intermediate partitions. This segmentation prevents pressure buildup by creating smaller, isolated chambers that can equalize pressure independently, allowing high-speed operation without excessive pressure differential while maintaining dustproof capability at each partition interface.
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 solution ensures reliable dustproof capability over the entire stroke of the actuator, even at high speeds, by effectively sealing dust within the housing and preventing its leakage, thereby maintaining a clean environment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (111a) is provided at a position where the end plate cover (105a) comes into contact with the housing member (2)
Implementation Method 2
a dust collection device that confines dust in the housing member (2) is provided at an end of the housing member
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator with a dustproof mechanism provides reliable dustproof capability over the entire stroke of the actuator. A linear actuator 100 with a dustproof mechanism includes a ball screw, a movable stage 4 including a ball screw nut that engages the ball screw, the movable stage capable of making linear reciprocating motion in the axial direction of the ball screw in response to rotary motion of the ball screw, a housing member 2 disposed to cover at least the ball screw, openings 27, 28 formed in the housing member 2 along the path along which the movable stage 4 travels, and dustproof belts 29, 30 disposed inside the housing member 2 to block the openings 27, 28. The linear actuator 100 with a dustproof mechanism further includes end plate covers 105a, 105b that cover both ends of the housing member 2 and hence has high dustproof performance.