Electromechanical Actuator End Cover Wedge Structure for Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for blackout devices suffer from high production costs and defects due to the need for pin-type, screw-type, or retaining notch-type fixing elements to transmit torque, which cause casing deformation and aesthetic issues, limiting reuse and increasing manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The electromechanical actuator design incorporates inclined lateral edges on the end cover notches relative to the median plane, eliminating the need for fixing elements between the reducer and casing, ensuring torque transmission and preventing rotation, while allowing for reuse and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pin-type, screw-type, or retaining notch-type fixing elements are used to transmit torque from the reducer to the output shaft, then torque transmission is ensured, but the casing deforms and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the fixing elements (pins, screws, or retaining notches) from the torque transmission mechanism. Instead of using separate fixing components, the torque is transmitted directly through the notched structure itself, where the notches in the end cover fit into the notches in the casing to provide both positioning and torque transmission without additional fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of torque transmission and structural positioning into a single integrated notched structure. The notches serve dual purposes: they provide the mechanical interface for torque transmission from the reducer to the output shaft and simultaneously eliminate the need for separate fixing elements, combining multiple functions into one structural feature.
2Strength
If fixing elements are used to ensure torque transmission, then mechanical strength is maintained, but production defects increase due to casing deformation and aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the fixing elements entirely, the invention eliminates the source of manufacturing defects associated with drilling holes, inserting pins or screws, and the resulting casing deformations. The notched structure provides sufficient mechanical strength without requiring additional components that introduce defects during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple notched structure that can be directly formed during casing manufacturing without requiring additional expensive fixing components. This approach reduces material costs and eliminates the need for precision assembly operations, thereby reducing production defects and improving cost-effectiveness.
3Weight of stationary object
If the casing has low thickness to reduce weight and cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the casing deforms during motor activation
Solution Approach 1:
The notched structure is designed in advance during the casing manufacturing process, creating pre-formed engagement features that provide structural reinforcement. These notches are positioned and dimensioned to prevent deformation during motor activation, allowing the use of thinner casing material without compromising stability.
4Reliability
If holes or deformations are added to the casing for fixing elements, then torque transmission is ensured, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to paint chipping and positioning defects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for holes or deformations in the casing by using the notched structure itself for torque transmission. This eliminates the aesthetic defects associated with drilled holes, paint chipping, and visible deformations, maintaining the smooth exterior appearance of the casing while ensuring reliable torque transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromechanical actuator comprises an electric motor, a reducer, a housing, an output shaft and an end cover. The housing comprises at least one notch, the or each notch being provided at one end of the housing and comprising at least a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, opposite the first lateral edge. The end cover (49) comprises at least one body (49a) and a notch (55). The or each notch (55) is fitted into the or one of the notches. The or each notch (55) comprises at least a first lateral edge (55a) and a second lateral edge (55b). The end cover (49) also comprises a junction zone (58) located between an external surface (49a1) of the body (49a) and each of the first and second lateral edges (55a, 55b) of the or each notch (55). The or each notch (55) comprises a median plane (P) passing through an axis of rotation (X) of the electromechanical actuator.Each of the first and second lateral edges (55a, 55b) of the or each notch (55) is inclined, relative to the median plane (P), by an angle (α) whose value is between 5° and 45°, so as to wedge each of the first and second lateral edges (56a, 56b) of the or one of the notches (56) at the level of each junction zone (58).