Actuator Holding Device with L-Shaped Transmission Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

In safety applications, such as emergency stop command devices, the secure connection between the actuator and switching elements is crucial to ensure proper functioning, but inadequate assembly or excessive force can cause mechanical separation, rendering the device non-functional, which can lead to safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A combination of actuator and holding device with a design that includes L-shaped transmission elements with a spring mechanism and a clamping ring, allowing for reliable transmission of switch position changes to multiple switching elements, ensuring a secure and stable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If switching elements are mechanically connected to the actuator using screws, snap hooks or bolts, then the connection can be established, but the connection may become mechanically separated due to inadequate assembly or use of force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into a first housing section for the actuator and a second housing section for the switching elements, connected via a guide rail system that allows modular assembly while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Transmission elements with L-shaped design and guide rails act as intermediaries between the actuator and switching elements, transmitting actuation forces reliably while preventing direct mechanical separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If plungers in the actuator directly control switching elements, then the response is direct, but the actuator requires larger size to accommodate all plungers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation response speedVSAvoidactuator volume
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses L-shaped transmission elements that extend in multiple dimensions, allowing compact plunger design while maintaining direct actuation capability through spatial optimization

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

Solution Approach 2:

Transmission elements are nested within the holding device structure, with L-shaped configurations that allow plungers to control multiple switching elements through compact, space-efficient pathways

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switching elements are controlled via the actuator, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the connection reliability may be compromised due to increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device with guide rails and transmission elements serves multiple functions: securing the actuator, guiding transmission elements, and controlling multiple switching elements through a unified reliable connection system

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the actuator housing, transmission element guidance, and switching element mounting into an integrated holding device structure, ensuring unified connection reliability across all components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a reliable and secure connection between the actuator and switching elements, ensuring the emergency stop command device functions correctly even under fault conditions, thereby maintaining system safety.

Implementation Method 1

A combination of actuator and holding device with a design that includes L-shaped transmission elements with a spring mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3171380B1Combination of actuator and holding device for storing switching elements for a control and signal device
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3171380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3171380B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3171380B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device for receiving switching elements for a control and signaling device, comprising a first housing section (1) in which a recess (2) for receiving an actuator (3) of a control and signaling device is arranged, and a second housing section (4) which is arranged on the first housing section (1) and which extends the recess (2) of the first housing section (1). The invention is characterized in that guide rails (6) for guiding transmission elements (6) are formed in the housing sections (1, 4), wherein the transmission elements (6) transmit an actuation of the actuator (3) to a switching element.