Actuating Mechanism With Integral Battery Pack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven actuator mechanisms, such as valve actuators, rely on external batteries that are not suitable for explosion-proof environments and lack active monitoring, making them unsuitable for normal operation or as a sole power source.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven actuator device with an integrated battery pack and control module that can selectively use renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro energy for charging and operation, allowing for battery management and monitoring of power status, temperature, and automatic shutdown modes to ensure safe and reliable operation in explosion-proof environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external battery is used for backup power in motor-driven actuators, then power supply continuity is improved during AC mains failure, but the battery is not suitable for explosion-proof environments and lacks active monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the battery pack directly into the actuator enclosure, merging the power supply system with the actuator housing. This integration allows the battery to be contained within an explosion-proof enclosure, making the entire assembly suitable for hazardous environments while maintaining power supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control module as an intermediary between the battery pack and the motor drive system. This control module provides active monitoring of battery status (charge level, temperature, health) and manages power distribution, enabling safe operation in explosion-proof environments through controlled charge/discharge cycles and thermal management.
2Reliability
If an external battery is used for backup power, then shutdown operation during power failure is enabled, but the battery cannot act as the sole power supply for normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the actuator can operate in multiple modes: normal operation from AC mains with battery charging, backup operation from battery during mains failure, and standalone operation from battery as sole power source. The control module dynamically switches between these modes based on power availability and operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated battery pack and control system provide multi-functionality: serving as both a backup power source for shutdown operations and a standalone power source for normal actuator operation. The system universally handles different operational scenarios including AC-powered mode, battery backup mode, and battery-only mode.
3Reliability
If a battery pack is integrated into the actuator enclosure with control module monitoring, then active monitoring and explosion-proof suitability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module integrates multiple functions into a single unit: battery management, motor control, status monitoring, and communication. By merging these functions into one centralized controller, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite adding battery integration, as separate monitoring and control components are eliminated.
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 self-contained, reliable power source for motor-driven actuators in explosion-proof environments, enabling safe and efficient operation by managing battery charging and discharging, temperature control, and automatic shutdowns, thus addressing the limitations of external batteries in such settings.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack housed within the enclosure, the battery pack being electrically connected to selectively drive the motor and control systems
Implementation Method 2
an input for receiving a renewable or harvested energy power supply... The renewable or harvested energy power supply may comprise a solar, wind and/or hydro energy power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-driven actuator device includes an enclosure (1) in which a motor, control module (3) and a drive (4) are housed. The drive (4) is coupled between a motor and a device being actuated. The device also includes an input for receiving a renewable or harvested energy power supply and a battery pack (6) housed within said enclosure (1). The battery pack (8) is electrically connected to selectively drive the motor and drive system (4) and is electrically connectable to the renewable or harvested energy power supply for charging. The control module is configured to cause the battery pack (6) to selectively drive the motor and cause the actuator to move.