Actuator Mounting Guide Prevents Motor Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing actuation systems for machine hoods often suffer from motor interference with mounting members when the actuator's mounting end is oriented incorrectly, leading to potential damage during hood movement between opened and closed positions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed actuation system includes a mounting member with a base portion and a guide portion that prevents coupling in undesirable angular orientations, ensuring the actuator is securely attached in a second angular orientation, using a fastening member with varying diameters to facilitate correct alignment and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mounting end of the actuator is coupled to the mounting member in an orientation that is not desirable, then the actuator can be assembled, but the motor interferes with the mounting member during hood movement causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting member features an asymmetric guide portion with a specific angular orientation that only accommodates the actuator in the correct angular position. The guide portion's geometry is designed such that it physically permits coupling only when the actuator is oriented at the desired angle, preventing incorrect assembly orientations through asymmetric geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary element between the mounting member and the actuator. It mediates the coupling process by providing a geometric interface that guides the actuator into the correct angular orientation during assembly, ensuring proper alignment before the final coupling is achieved.
2Ease of manufacture
If the actuator is coupled in the first angular orientation, then assembly is possible, but the motor interferes with the mounting member causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion is designed to preemptively prevent incorrect angular orientation coupling by creating a geometric conflict before the motor can interfere with the mounting member. The asymmetric geometry of the guide portion establishes preliminary constraints that block the first angular orientation, eliminating the potential for harmful motor interference before it can occur during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion employs asymmetric geometry that is compatible only with the second angular orientation. This asymmetric design creates a physical mismatch when the actuator attempts to couple in the first angular orientation, preventing assembly in the harmful configuration while allowing proper assembly in the correct orientation.
3Device complexity
If a standard coupling mechanism is used, then assembly is simple, but incorrect angular orientations are not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion introduces asymmetric geometric features to an otherwise standard coupling mechanism. This asymmetric design element provides angular orientation control by creating a unique geometric interface that only fits in the correct orientation, adding minimal complexity while ensuring reliable prevention of incorrect coupling angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the simple coupling mechanism and the requirement for angular orientation control. It provides the necessary geometric constraints without significantly complicating the overall coupling system, acting as a bridge between simplicity and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting member for an actuator of a machine is disclosed. The actuator has a cylinder defining a longitudinal direction and a motor disposed adjacent to a mounting end of the cylinder. The actuator has a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation about the longitudinal direction with respect to the mounting member. The motor is disposed proximal to the mounting member in the first angular orientation and disposed distal to the mounting member in the second angular orientation. The mounting member includes a base portion to couple to a frame of the machine and a bracket portion extending from the base portion. The bracket portion is coupled to the mounting end of the cylinder. The mounting member further includes a guide portion extending from the base portion to prevent coupling of the actuator to the bracket portion in the first angular orientation.