Actuator Intermediate Drive Axial Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle actuators require increasing space and weight for multi-stage transmissions, which conflicts with the need for reduced installation space and weight.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design features at least one intermediate drive coaxially arranged with the output shaft and another axially parallel to the drive shaft, eliminating the need for radially spaced gear shafts, thereby reducing space and weight requirements. This design includes a servomotor driving a drive shaft with an input gear and output gear, and intermediate drives with gear wheels that transmit torque in a compact, coaxial arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-stage transmission is implemented with radially spaced shafts, then the transmission function is achieved, but the space requirement and weight of the actuator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial arrangement of shafts to an axial arrangement, where intermediate drives are positioned along the axial direction rather than radially outward. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple transmission stages to be stacked axially between the drive shaft and output shaft, reducing the radial footprint while maintaining the multi-stage transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate drives are nested within the axial space between the drive shaft and output shaft. Each intermediate drive is positioned coaxially or offset along the axis, creating a compact nested structure where multiple transmission stages are contained within the existing radial envelope, thereby reducing overall actuator size and weight.
2Reliability
If a multi-stage transmission is implemented with radially spaced shafts, then the transmission function is achieved, but the weight of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
By reorganizing the transmission stages from a radial to an axial layout, the patent eliminates the need for multiple heavy radial support shafts and their associated bearings. The intermediate drives are supported in a manner that reduces the number and size of support structures, directly reducing actuator weight while preserving transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple radially spaced shafts into a more integrated axial arrangement where intermediate drives share common support structures and housing space. This merging of previously separate radial components into a compact axial assembly reduces the total material required and thus the overall weight.
3Reliability
If additional gear shafts are added for multi-stage transmission, then the transmission stages increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves structural complexity by transitioning from a complex radial multi-shaft architecture to a simpler axial stacking arrangement. The intermediate drives are positioned along the axis with simplified support requirements, reducing the number of complex radial connections and bearing arrangements while achieving the same multi-stage transmission ratio.
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 achieves a reduced space and weight footprint for the actuator while maintaining effective transmission, allowing for a more compact and lightweight design without additional radial shafts, thus addressing the conflict between space requirements and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a servomotor that drives a drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
gears that mesh, which form a multi-stage gear
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuator (6) for adjusting an actuating element (5), in particular of a motor vehicle (1), said actuator (6) comprising a servomotor (16) having an input shaft (17) on which an input gear (18) is non-rotatably mounted. The actuator (6) further comprises an output shaft (25) which is rotatably mounted on the input shaft (17) axially parallel to and radially spaced apart from the input shaft, an output gear (26) being non-rotatably mounted on the output shaft (25). The aim of the invention is to devise an actuator (6) which has a space-saving design and/or is reduced in weight. For this purpose, at least one input intermediate unit (19) is mounted rotatably with respect to the input shaft (17) and at least one output intermediate unit (27) is arranged coaxial to the output shaft (25) and is rotatably mounted with respect to the output shaft (25). Said output intermediate unit (27) engages the input gear (18) and said input intermediate unit (19) while said input intermediate unit (19) engages the output gear (26) and said output intermediate unit (27) and, if applicable, the other input intermediate units (19) engage the other output intermediate units (27). The invention further relates to a method for producing said actuator and to a motor vehicle (1) comprising an actuating element (5) and said actuator (6) for adjusting the actuating element (5).