Actuator Assembly Quick Release Switch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release actuators in applications like hospital beds and patient hoists lack the ability to seamlessly integrate activation of power supplies and control systems upon release, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical switch within the actuator assembly that activates upon quick release, allowing for the control of power supply activation, actuator operation, or external functions like alarms, with the switch being triggered by moveable construction elements in the quick release mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply is kept continuously activated for immediate functionality, then the system is ready for emergency use, but battery drain increases and energy is wasted during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical switch is pre-positioned within the quick release mechanism, so that when the quick release is activated, the switch immediately closes the circuit and activates the power supply. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the power supply activation is automatically prepared and executed without delay when needed, providing immediate functionality while avoiding continuous power consumption during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical switch is integrated within the quick release mechanism, then the activation of power supply and control systems becomes seamless, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical switch is merged with the quick release mechanism by positioning it within the mechanism and connecting it to the moveable construction elements. This integration allows the single action of activating the quick release to simultaneously achieve two functions: mechanical release and electrical switch activation, thereby simplifying the overall operation while the internal integration manages the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick release mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: its primary mechanical release function and the secondary function of activating the electrical switch. This multi-functionality is achieved by incorporating the switch within the mechanism and utilizing the existing moveable elements to trigger it, allowing one component system to perform multiple tasks without requiring separate activation mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the switch is activated by moveable construction elements in the quick release, then the activation is automatic and immediate, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable construction elements of the quick release mechanism serve as intermediaries between the mechanical release action and the electrical switch activation. These elements physically interact with the switch during the release process, translating the mechanical motion into electrical circuit closure. This intermediary approach allows automatic and immediate activation while providing a buffer that can accommodate reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
Actuator system comprising at least one actuator, a control unit, a power supply and an operations panel, where the actuator in a transmission between an activation element (4) and a reversible electric motor is inserted a quick release unit (13) for release of the activation element (4) from the electric motor and the part of the transmission between the motor and the quick release. The actuator comprises at least one electrical switch (30), activated with the quick release. The signal from the electrical switch(es) (30) may be used for various purposes, such as triggering a power supply from sleep mode, activating one or more actuators, or activating an external function such as an alarm etc.