Actuator Nut Jamming via Intermediary Support Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable nut systems in actuators for movable furniture parts often jam at end positions due to counter-stops, requiring increased manual effort to release, especially when counteracted by the force of a spring device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support element that relieves the nut of the spring device's force in end positions by transferring it to a housing part, allowing easy adjustment without axial pressure from the spring, and using a spring element to prevent jamming by disengaging the nut from the threaded section at these positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable nut system is used to adjust spring force, then the force adjustment range is improved, but the nut jams at end positions requiring increased manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
A support element is introduced as an intermediary component between the spring device and the nut. This support element transfers the spring force to a housing part when the nut reaches an end position, preventing the nut from jamming against the counter-stop and eliminating the need for increased manual effort during adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the nut is pressed against a counter-stop at end position, then the adjustment range is defined, but jamming occurs requiring manual force to release
Solution Approach 1:
The support element acts as a mediator that redirects the spring force to the housing structure at end positions. This prevents direct contact and jamming between the nut and counter-stop, while still maintaining precise end position definition through the support element's geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission path is segmented into two separate paths: one through the nut for normal adjustment, and another through the support element to the housing for end position support. This segmentation prevents force concentration at the nut-counter-stop interface that causes jamming.
3Power
If the spring device acts directly on the nut, then the force is transmitted efficiently, but the nut experiences axial pressure during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The support element serves as a conditional intermediary that only becomes active when the nut reaches an end position. During normal adjustment operations, the spring force is transmitted efficiently through the nut without interruption, maintaining power transmission efficiency while preventing axial pressure buildup at end positions.
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
Facilitates easy adjustment of the nut without manual force, prevents jamming, and allows for audible feedback during operation, ensuring smooth and effortless adjustment of the actuator's force setting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one support element is provided, which relieves the nut of the force of the spring device in at least one of the two end positions
Implementation Method 2
a spring device for applying force to the actuator
Implementation Method 3
the adjustment device having a threaded section and a screw nut mounted adjustably between two end positions, wherein the force of the spring device acting on the actuator can be adjusted by adjusting the nut along the threaded section
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Actuator (5) for moving a movable furniture part (3), comprising: - at least one movably mounted actuating member (7) for moving the movable furniture part (3), - a spring device (11) for applying a force to the actuating member (7), - a setting device (13) by means of which a force of the spring device (11) that acts on the actuating member (7) can be set, - wherein the setting device (13) has a threaded portion (17) and a screw nut (12) mounted adjustably between two end positions, wherein the force of the spring device (11) that acts on the actuating member (7) can be set by adjusting the screw nut (12) along the threaded portion (17), wherein at least one supporting element (27) is provided which relieves the screw nut (12) in at least one of the two end positions of the force of the spring device (11).