Actuator Manual Drive Coupling With Axial Stack Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators face complications in manual operation due to complex and fault-prone coupling devices, and securing stacked structures within the housing is challenging, complicating manufacturing and leading to potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The actuator features a detachable manual operating element that directly or indirectly couples with the manual drive shaft, using simple mechanical structures and a slipping clutch to prevent overloading, and allows an axial degree of freedom for the stacked structure connection to accommodate manufacturing and operational tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handwheel with coupling device is used for manual drive, then manual operation is enabled, but the structure becomes complicated and fault-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of manual drive (rotating the shaft) from the complex coupling device. The handwheel is simplified to directly rotate the shaft without intermediate coupling mechanisms, removing unnecessary components while preserving the core operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a coupling device to connect the handwheel to the shaft, the patent inverts the approach by having the handwheel directly drive the shaft through a simplified mechanical advantage system, eliminating the coupling device entirely.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stacked structures are secured rigidly in the housing, then vibration movements are prevented, but manufacturing tolerances and structural changes cause connection problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid fixed connections to dynamic adjustable connections. The stacked structures are mounted on adjustable support elements that can accommodate variations in position and orientation, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters (position, orientation, spacing) of the stacked structures are made variable through adjustable mounting mechanisms. This allows the system to compensate for dimensional variations and assemble components within tolerance ranges without requiring precise pre-machining.
3Reliability
If simple manual drive structure is used, then robustness is improved, but overload protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slipping clutch as an intermediary element between the manual drive shaft and the gear train. This mediator allows normal operational loads to be transmitted efficiently while providing automatic overload protection by slipping when excessive forces are applied, preventing damage to the robust mechanical structure.
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 simplifies manufacturing, enhances robustness, and prevents overloading while ensuring secure connections, reducing the risk of malfunctions and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a slipping clutch, in particular a tolerance sleeve, is formed between a coupling point of the housing for the manual operating element and the gear
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator (1) including an engageable manual drive shaft (2) for the manual drive and a manual operating element (3), wherein the manual operating element (3) can be detachably connected to a housing (4) of the actuator (1). The manual operating element (3), in a position connected to the housing (4), forces the coupling of the manual drive shaft (2) to a gear (5) of the actuator (1). Also shown is an actuator (20) including a stacked structure (15) arranged in a housing (4) and a connecting element (21) for connecting the stacked structure (15) to the housing (4), wherein the connection between the housing (4) and the stacked structure (15) has an axial degree of freedom.