Electric Actuator Screw Shaft Collision Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators risk damage due to collisions between the screw shaft and the case, primarily caused by assembly errors or malfunctions, which can lead to costly repairs and operational failures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic member between the axial end surface of the screw shaft and the case, which acts as a cushioning element to absorb impacts and prevent damage, along with a detent pin to secure the elastic member in place, reducing the need for additional falling prevention mechanisms and enhancing assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the screw shaft is covered with the case, then the case protects the screw shaft, but the screw shaft may collide with the case and damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing a cushioning member between the screw shaft and the case before collision can occur. This cushioning member absorbs impact energy when the screw shaft collides with the case, preventing damage to the case while maintaining the protective enclosure structure.
2Reliability
If the elastic member is inserted into the hole of the screw shaft, then the elastic member is secured in place, but the insertion part may be damaged during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing protrusions on the insertion part that contact the inner peripheral surface of the hole. This localized contact at specific points (protrusions) rather than the entire surface allows the insertion part to be secured while minimizing the risk of damage during insertion, as the contact areas are concentrated and controlled.
3Reliability
If the protrusion press-contacts the inner peripheral surface of the hole, then the insertion part is prevented from falling off, but the insertion may cause scraping damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using protrusions as intermediate contact elements between the insertion part and the hole. These protrusions mediate the connection by providing localized press-contact points that secure the insertion part while distributing the contact force in a way that minimizes scraping damage to the outer peripheral surface during the insertion process.
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
The elastic member effectively cushions collisions, preventing damage to the case and reducing the risk of operational failures, while the detent pin ensures the elastic member remains securely attached, enhancing the actuator's reliability and reducing assembly complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member functions as a cushioning member that cushions an impact on the case due to this collision
Data Source
AI summary
An electric actuator includes an electric motor 5, and a motion conversion mechanism 4 configured to convert a rotary motion of the electric motor 5 into a linear motion, in which the motion conversion mechanism 4 has a nut 17 rotatably supported, and a screw shaft 18 configured to axially move in accordance with a rotation of the nut 17, the electric actuator is provided with a case 20 covering an axial end surface 18b of the screw shaft 18, and the electric actuator is provided with an elastic member 30 between the axial end surface 18b of the screw shaft 18 and an opposite surface 20b of the case 20 facing the axial end surface 18b of the screw shaft 18.