Actuator With Flexible Connecting Element for Self-Centering Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety switch actuators lack a compact and reliable design that ensures secure locking without requiring precise alignment and additional actuating units, which is crucial for safe access control in hazardous areas.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring an actuator head with a larger cross-section than the connecting element, which is stiff in the axial direction and elastically deformable transversely, allowing for automatic centering and secure locking using concentrically arranged locking jaws held by spring units, enabling easy and reliable locking without additional actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator head has a larger cross-section than the connecting element, then secure locking is achieved, but the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two distinct parts: a compact connecting element with small cross-section for space efficiency, and a larger actuator head for reliable locking. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed with axial rigidity (resisting compression along its length) while allowing transverse flexibility. This dimensional differentiation enables the element to maintain structural integrity in the locking direction while bending laterally to accommodate alignment variations, effectively using different dimensional properties to resolve the size-reliability contradiction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connecting element is axially rigid, then locking stability is improved, but alignment flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element exhibits different mechanical properties in different directions: high axial rigidity for stable locking force transmission, and high transverse flexibility for automatic alignment. This anisotropic design allows the same component to simultaneously provide both stability and ease of alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element transitions from a flexible alignment state during insertion to a rigid locked state once engaged. The element dynamically adapts its stiffness characteristics based on the operational phase, being flexible during alignment but rigid during force transmission.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional actuating units are added for precise alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element performs automatic self-alignment through its inherent transverse flexibility. When the actuator is inserted, the connecting element naturally bends to accommodate misalignment and guides the actuator head into the correct position, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary between the actuator head and the base body, absorbing alignment errors through its flexibility while maintaining force transmission. This intermediary component mediates the connection, allowing the rigid actuator head to be positioned accurately without requiring the entire assembly to be precisely aligned during installation.
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 actuator achieves a compact, secure, and reliable locking mechanism that can function with slight misalignment, reducing assembly complexity and ensuring safe operation in safety switch arrangements for hazardous area access control.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element is made of an elastically deformable material and can be deflected transversely to its longitudinal axis when external forces are applied. This allows the actuator to be centered on a locking unit of the safety switch when brought into contact with it.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (3) for a safety switch (2) with an actuator head (8) which is mounted on a base body (6) by means of a connecting element (7). The actuator head (8) has a larger cross-section than the connecting element (7), at least in some sections. The connecting element (7) is rigid in the axial direction. The actuator head (8) is held in a home position by means of the connecting element (7). In this home position, the longitudinal axis of the connecting element (7) is inclined at an angle to the surface of the base body (6).