Linear Actuator Guide Tube Mounting Bushing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators face challenges in achieving a cost-effective and stable mounting of the guide tube and electric motor, as they often require complex and expensive housing designs to absorb transverse forces, leading to increased production and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a mounting bushing secured to the guide tube, which is then attached to the actuator chassis using screws, providing a stable and easy-to-manufacture solution, with the guide tube made from light metal and the bushing from steel, and includes a snap lock mechanism for secure motor fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the guide tube is embedded deeply in the housing to absorb transverse forces, then the stability and strength are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separate components: a mounting bushing pressed into the housing and a guide tube inserted into the bushing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall housing design while maintaining mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bushing serves as an intermediary element between the housing and the guide tube. It absorbs the transverse forces and provides a stable mounting solution without requiring the housing itself to be complex or heavily reinforced.
2Strength
If the housing is designed to be large and complex to absorb transverse forces, then the strength and stability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is segmented from the housing structure and implemented through separate mounting bushings. This allows the housing to remain simple and easy to manufacture while the bushings provide the necessary strength and stability for absorbing transverse forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bushing is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. It provides the necessary strength function without requiring expensive or complex housing design.
3Reliability
If the guide tube is securely mounted to the housing, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a mounting bushing and a guide tube, each with simple functions. The bushing is pressed into the housing and the guide tube is inserted into the bushing, creating a reliable mounting without complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bushing and guide tube are designed to self-align and self-secure through their geometric fit. The bushing provides guidance and support for the guide tube, and the press-fit connection provides automatic retention without requiring additional fastening mechanisms.
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 approach results in a more production-friendly and cost-effective linear actuator with improved stability and ease of assembly, while ensuring secure mounting of both the guide tube and electric motor, reducing production costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the guide tube at the rear end is equipped with a mounting bushing secured to this and where the bushing on its side is secured to the chassis of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a spindle in connection with the transmission, a spindle nut on the spindle
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor, a transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes a housing with an electric motor, which through a transmission drives a spindle with a spindle nut. To the spindle nut is secured a tubular adjustment element, which is guided in a guide tube. A bushing is secured at the rear end of the guide tube for securing the guide tube to the chassis of the actuator. Expediently, the securing is done with stampings from the outer side of the mounting bushing and into the guide tube. These stampings are appropriately done opposite channels, such as screw channels in the guide tube, such that the stampings are received in the channels and do not protrude into the guide tube and prevent the movement of the spindle nut and the adjustment element.