Actuator Assembly Single Axis Rotation Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators in high-response systems face challenges in withstanding high impact loads due to rotational movement about the centerline of bearings, especially during rapid directional changes and in vibration or shock environments, where traditional limiting features fail to provide adequate torque capability and result in high impact loading.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight actuator assembly with a single axis of rotation locking member is introduced, which restricts rotational movement about at least one orthogonal axis, allowing for greater torque capability and reduced impact loading by coupling the actuator housing assembly to an external mount structure via a single axis rotation locking member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional limiting feature (tang) is located on the actuator housing next to the self-aligning bearings, then the actuator can withstand rotational movement in slow response systems, but it results in high impact loading when the actuator reverses direction at greater speeds and does not allow for maximum torque capability
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated locking member is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator housing and the external mount structure. This locking member specifically restricts rotational movement about a single axis, separating the function of preventing rotation from the general mounting structure and reducing impact loads on the bearings during rapid directional changes
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational restriction function is segmented from the general mounting structure by introducing a dedicated locking member. This segmentation allows the locking member to specifically address rotational movement about a single axis while allowing other movements, thereby reducing impact loading without compromising torque capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator housing is mounted between two self-aligning bearings allowing rotational movement, then the actuator can accommodate misalignment, but it creates high impact loads during rapid directional switching and in vibration or shock environments
Solution Approach 1:
The solution dynamically restricts rotation about a single critical axis while allowing the actuator housing to maintain its ability to accommodate misalignment through the self-aligning bearings. The locking member is positioned to restrict rotation about the axis perpendicular to the actuator's line of action, while allowing other movements necessary for adaptability
3Shape
If the center of gravity of the actuator is offset from the line between the two self-aligning bearings, then the actuator can be compactly designed, but it creates high impact loading in vibration or shock environments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member acts as an intermediary that compensates for the adverse effects of offset center of gravity by providing rotational restriction about the critical axis. This allows the compact design with offset center of gravity to be maintained while the locking member counteracts the resulting impact loading in vibration or shock environments
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly including an actuator housing assembly and a single axis of rotation locking member fixedly attached to a portion of the actuator housing assembly and an external mounting structure. The single axis of rotation locking member restricting rotational movement of the actuator housing assembly about at least one axis. The single axis of rotation locking member is coupled at a first end to the actuator housing assembly about a Y axis and at a 90° angle to an X and Z axis providing rotation of the actuator housing assembly about the Y axis. The single axis of rotation locking member is coupled at a second end to a mounting structure, and more particularly a mounting pin, about an X axis and at a 90° angle to a Y and Z axis providing rotation of the actuator housing assembly about the X axis. The actuator assembly is thereby restricted from rotation about the Z axis.