Electromechanical Actuator Grounding for Winding Tube ESD Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators for concealment devices face issues with electrostatic charge buildup, leading to potential malfunctions and damage to electronic components, as they often require an additional electrostatic charge discharge accessory that can be forgotten during installation, increasing costs and assembly time, and exposing the actuator housing to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator design that incorporates an electrical connection element which connects the shielding or earth conductor of the power cable to the winding tube, allowing for preferential discharge of electrostatic charges through the torque support, both inside and outside the actuator, preventing damage to electronic components and allowing for continuous charge dissipation without the need for additional accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional electrostatic charge discharge accessory is used, then electrostatic charges can be discharged, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrostatic charge discharge function with the existing electrical connection element that connects the power cable to the actuator. The electrical connection element is designed to have both power conduction and electrostatic discharge capabilities, eliminating the need for a separate discharge accessory. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining electrostatic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical power connection to the actuator and simultaneously serves as an electrostatic charge discharge path. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated discharge components, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring both power supply and electrostatic protection.
2Reliability
If an additional electrostatic charge discharge accessory is installed, then electrostatic protection is provided, but assembly time and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic discharge function is integrated into the existing electrical connection element, which is already part of the standard installation process. Installers connect the power cable with the electrical connection element as part of normal setup, and this same connection simultaneously provides electrostatic discharge capability. This eliminates the need for separate installation steps for discharge accessories, reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection element is pre-designed and pre-configured with both power conduction and electrostatic discharge pathways during manufacturing. This preliminary integration means that during installation, no additional configuration or assembly steps are needed - the electrostatic protection is automatically activated when the power cable is connected, saving installation time.
3Reliability
If the actuator housing is exposed for electrostatic discharge, then charge discharge is enabled, but the housing becomes vulnerable to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the electrical connection element - that provides the electrostatic discharge pathway without requiring direct exposure of the metal housing. The discharge path goes through the insulated electrical connection element and its internal conductors, allowing charge dissipation while the housing remains fully coated and protected from environmental corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of creating a physical gap or exposed metal surface for discharge with an electrical field-based solution. The electrostatic discharge occurs through the electrical connection element's conductive pathways, which are isolated from the environment by insulation, eliminating the need for housing exposure while maintaining discharge functionality.
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
This solution effectively prevents malfunctions and damage to the actuator and electronic components by continuously dissipating electrostatic charges, reducing costs and simplifying the installation process by eliminating the need for additional accessories and protecting the actuator housing from corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic charges are generated by the friction of a screen, in particular a canvas, on a part made of plastic or metal, in particular the winding tube of the screen or a support holding the winding tube
Implementation Method 2
the electrical connection element electrically connects a casing of the electromechanical actuator to the winding tube
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromechanical actuator (11) comprises a housing (17), a torque support (21), a power supply cable (18), an electric motor, and an electrostatic discharge device (45). The electrostatic discharge device (45) includes an electrical connection element (48). The electrical connection element (48) is configured to be in electrical contact with a winding tube (4) of a motorized drive device (5). The electrical connection element (48) is configured to electrically connect a shield (46) of the power supply cable (18) or an electrical ground conductor (38) of the power supply cable (18) to the winding tube (4). The torque support (21) partially receives the electrical connection element (48). The electrical connection element (48) is fixed relative to the torque support (21). In addition, the electrical linking element (48) partially protrudes outside the torque support (21).