Integrally Formed Actuator Housing with Springy Section

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator devices with multiple piezoelectric actuators face complex assembly, large spatial requirements, and difficulty in miniaturization due to complex constructions and the need for compressive pre-tensioning, which complicates the arrangement and spacing of adjacent actuators.

Innovation Solution

The actuator device features integrally formed housings with a common base element and a springy section that applies compressive force, allowing for compact design, simplified assembly, and reduced spacing between actuators, eliminating the need for screw connections and facilitating easy handling of connection lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate housings with screw connections are used for each actuator, then compressive pre-tension can be applied to protect PZT ceramic, but device complexity and assembly complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of PZT ceramicVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate housings are merged into a single common housing structure that accommodates multiple actuators. The housing includes a common base element with integrated spring elements that apply compressive pre-tension to multiple actuators simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual screw connections for each actuator and significantly reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for multiple actuators, applies compressive pre-tension to protect PZT ceramics, and integrates spring elements that simultaneously pre-tension multiple actuators. This multi-functional design reduces the number of individual components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate housings with screw connections are used for each actuator, then compressive pre-tension can be applied, but assembly time and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of PZT ceramicVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate housings are merged into a single common housing structure that accommodates multiple actuators. The housing includes a common base element with integrated spring elements that apply compressive pre-tension to multiple actuators simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual screw connections for each actuator and significantly reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements are pre-installed in the housing during manufacturing, positioned to automatically apply compressive pre-tension to actuators when they are inserted. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly steps of installing and adjusting individual screw connections for each actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If individual housings with large spring components are used, then compressive pre-tension is maintained, but spatial extension and pitch between actuators increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressive pre-tension maintenanceVSAvoidfootprint and pitch

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate housings are merged into a single common housing structure that accommodates multiple actuators. The housing includes a common base element with integrated spring elements that apply compressive pre-tension to multiple actuators simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual screw connections for each actuator and significantly reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring elements are integrated within the housing structure itself, with the springy section formed as an integral part of the housing. This nesting of the spring mechanism within the housing reduces the overall spatial extension and allows for smaller pitch between actuators.

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

This design results in a compact, easily assembled actuator device with minimal spacing between adjacent actuators, enhancing miniaturization and simplifying the assembly and electrical connection processes.

Implementation Method 1

a springy section, which is formed integrally with the housing and which applies a mechanical compressive force to the actuator in a specific and defined region, in particular in the region of its lateral faces, wherein the direction of action of the compressive force extends in parallel to the direction of the longitudinal extension or in parallel to the length change direction of the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least four electrically activatable, variable-length actuators, in particular piezoelectric actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10580959B2Actuator system

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 PHYSIK INSTRUMENTE (PI) GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuator system comprising at least four electrically controllable, longitudinally adjustable actuators, to each of which a compressive force is applied in the direction of the longitudinal adjustment thereof by means of a separate housing that has an integrally formed resilient portion, each housing being designed as a single piece along with a base element shared by all housings. The invention further relates to an array comprising a plurality of actuator systems of said type.