Actuator Assembly with Visual Limit Switch Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuators lack an indication mechanism to confirm contact between the extension rod and limit switches, making it difficult for operators to determine the actuator's braking status, especially when installed in inaccessible locations like wind power generators.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly with an operation indication function, featuring a motor, screw, and extension rod connected to limit switches, along with an indication lamp set composed of Zener diodes and resistors, which illuminates when the extension rod reaches limit positions, eliminating the need for additional signal feedback circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual observation is used to determine actuator limit switch contact, then no additional indication components are needed, but operators cannot confirm braking status when actuator is installed in inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indication lamp set as an intermediary device between the limit switch and the operator. The lamp is electrically connected to the limit switch circuit and provides visual information about the actuator's braking status, allowing operators to confirm limit switch contact without directly observing the actuator in inaccessible locations.
2Ease of operation
If indication lamp set is added to provide visual feedback, then operation convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indication lamp set with the existing limit switch circuit. The lamp is electrically connected in parallel with the limit switch, utilizing the same circuit resources. This integration approach provides visual indication functionality while minimizing additional circuit complexity and component count.
3Loss of information
If additional signal feedback circuit is used to provide operation status indication, then information availability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indication lamp set serves as a simple intermediary device that provides operation status information without requiring complex signal feedback circuits. By utilizing the existing limit switch circuit and adding only the lamp and its basic electrical connections, the system achieves cost-effective visual indication.
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
Enables reliable and convenient operation by providing visual confirmation of the actuator's limit switch triggering status without requiring additional signal feedback circuits, ensuring easy installation and low costs.
Implementation Method 1
the indication lamp set illuminates to indicate that the extension rod of the actuator reaches the corresponding limit position
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly having an operation indication function is disclosed. The actuator assembly includes an actuator, a controller and an indication lamp set. The actuator has a motor, a screw, and an extension rod, which has limit positions connected with a limit switch set. The controller controls the motor of the actuator to rotate clockwise or anticlockwise. The indication lamp set is settled on at least one point on a circuit between the actuator and the controller and electrically communicated with the limit switch set. Thereby, when the extension rod touches any of the limit positions and thus triggers the limit switch set, the indication lamp set illuminates to indicate that the extension rod of the actuator reaches the corresponding limit position.