Actuator device having power spring retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire and smoke damper actuator devices require additional components and materials to constrain power springs, increasing costs and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
The actuator device incorporates a single molded housing with integrated linear bridge and spring hook retention features, allowing the power spring to be inserted laterally and retained without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (cage and/or cover) are used to constrain the power spring, then the power spring is securely retained in position, but the number of parts increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of power spring retention into a single integrated actuator housing. The housing includes an integrated power spring cage structure and power spring cover structure as unified components, eliminating the need for separate retention components. This merging approach maintains secure power spring retention while reducing the total number of parts and simplifying assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses electrical components, and integrates power spring retention features. The single housing structure incorporates both the cage and cover functions, making it a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for dedicated separate retention components.
2Reliability
If separate components (cage and/or cover) are used to constrain the power spring, then the power spring is securely retained, but material cost and inventory cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power spring cage and cover into a single integrated housing structure, the patent reduces the quantity of separate components required. This consolidation decreases material usage, reduces inventory requirements for multiple parts, and lowers overall material costs while maintaining the necessary power spring retention functionality.
3Reliability
If separate components (cage and/or cover) are used to constrain the power spring, then the power spring is securely retained, but assembly labor time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of power spring retention features into a single housing component eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for installing cages and covers. This reduces the number of assembly operations required, decreases labor time, and improves production efficiency while maintaining secure power spring retention.
4Productivity
If a single molded housing with integrated features is used, then the number of parts and assembly time are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the housing is a single molded piece, the design incorporates distinct integrated features (cage structure, cover structure, power spring receptacle) that are formed as separate functional zones within the monolithic housing. This segmentation approach allows the complex housing to be manufactured as one piece while maintaining clear functional boundaries that simplify the molding process and tooling design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes molded feature geometry and material properties to achieve power spring retention without additional components. By carefully designing the geometric parameters of the integrated cage and cover structures within the housing, the design achieves secure retention while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques.
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 reduces the number of components and assembly time, leading to cost and efficiency advantages by minimizing material, inventory, and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The power spring applies, at least in part, a torque to a control shaft coupled to the actuator device
Implementation Method 2
power spring inserted laterally through the linear bridge feature
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an actuator device comprising a single molded housing, a linear bridge feature, a spring hook retention feature, and a power spring. The single molded housing is formed by integrating the linear bridge feature across the single molded housing and the spring hook retention feature to one side of the linear bridge feature. The power spring is inserted laterally through the linear bridge feature of the actuator device. The power spring includes a spring hook at one end, and the spring hook of the power spring attaches to the spring hook retention feature of the actuator device. The power spring applies, at least in part, a torque to a control shaft coupled to the actuator device.