Electric Actuator Hand-Release Mechanism for Clutch and Self-Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric actuators lack a unified control mechanism for clutch and self-locking devices, leading to complex and clumsy operation, and hand-rotatory devices mounted on the end portion increase the actuator's axial space.

Innovation Solution

An electric actuator with a hand-rotatory release device that integrates a clutch and self-locking mechanism, featuring a first and second driving member activated by a release rotary knob, allowing simultaneous control and reducing the need for additional space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both clutch device and self-locking device are provided with independent driving units, then the two devices can be controlled independently, but the operation becomes complex and clumsy when controlling both devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the driving units of the clutch device and self-locking device into a single integrated hand-rotatory release device. The release lever mechanically links both devices, allowing simultaneous control through one manual operation rather than requiring separate independent controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hand-rotatory release device serves multiple functions: it controls both the clutch device and self-locking device, and can operate in different modes (engagement/disengagement of clutch, locking/unlocking of self-locking mechanism) through a single unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If hand-rotatory release device is mounted on the end portion of the electric actuator, then the release function is achieved, but the axial space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease functionVSAvoidaxial space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The release device is repositioned from the axial end portion to the circumferential surface of the actuator body. This dimensional relocation allows the release mechanism to operate radially rather than axially, achieving the same release function without increasing the actuator's axial length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The release device is integrated into the actuator's existing structure, with components nested within the housing and mounting brackets that utilize the actuator's body space rather than requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 integrated control mechanism provides smoother operation with faster retraction speeds and reduced resistance, maintaining a quick release state without increasing the actuator's axial height.

Implementation Method 1

the self-locking device comprises a release torsion spring for unlocking the self-locking device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

configured to produce a friction resistance against the rotary screw rod when the rotary screw rod rotates reversely

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4119815B1Electric actuator having hand-rotatory release device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 ZHEJIANG JIECHANG LINEAR MOTION TECH
  • EP4119815B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4119815B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4119815B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is an electric actuator having a hand-screw release device, including: a housing, a drive motor, a transmission assembly, a rotary screw rod (20) and a driving nut (21), and further including: a clutch device configured to engage or disengage power transmission between the transmission assembly and the rotary screw rod (20); a self-locking device configured to produce a friction resistance against the rotary screw rod (20) when the rotary screw rod (20) rotates reversely; and a hand-screw release device including a release rotary knob (55), the first driving member being connected to the clutch device, the second driving member being configured to connect the self-locking device, and the release rotary knob (55) being turned to present an initial state and a completely released state, wherein in the course of switching from the initial state to the completely released state, the first driving member activates the clutch device to disengage the power connection, and the second driving member activates the release torsion spring (43) to release.