Electric Actuator Selective Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators for gate leaves are inconvenient and potentially dangerous during power cuts or failures, as they can lock the leaf in place, blocking emergency exits and requiring manual operation which is difficult due to locked mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An electric actuator with a force transmission chain and selective locking mechanism that allows manual operation by converting the actuator into a compass-like mechanism, enabling rotation and translation movements even when drive components are inactive, using a screw or latch system for locking and unlocking the connecting rod relative to the carriage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator uses a locked mechanism to secure the leaf in position during normal operation, then the reliability and stability of the actuator is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates during power cuts or failures as manual maneuvering becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the actuator from a static locked mechanism into a dynamic system that can adapt its state. The connecting rod is designed to switch between two configurations: a locked configuration during normal operation where the chain securely transmits force, and an unlocked configuration during emergencies where the connecting rod can rotate freely relative to the carriage, enabling manual maneuvering while maintaining actuator reliability through the selective locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of the connecting rod's rotational degree of freedom. During normal operation, the rotational parameter is constrained (locked) to ensure reliable force transmission. During power cuts or failures, the locking means are deactivated, allowing the rotational parameter to change freely, thus enabling manual operation while maintaining the system's reliability through conditional parameter control
2Stability of the object's composition
If the actuator locks the leaf in position during power cuts or failures, then the stability of the actuator is improved, but the safety deteriorates as the leaf may block emergency exits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic safety mechanism where the connecting rod can transition from a locked stable state during normal operation to an unlocked mobile state during emergencies. This allows the actuator to maintain stability when needed while eliminating the harmful effect of blocking emergency exits by enabling free rotation and manual maneuvering when power is lost or the system fails
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of a locked mechanism blocking emergency exits into a benefit by designing a selective locking system. The locking means are intentionally designed to be deactivatable, transforming the static harmful locked state into a dynamic system where the lock can be released during emergencies, thus converting the potential harm into a safety feature that maintains both stability during operation and safety during failures
3Reliability
If the actuator uses a complex locking mechanism to prevent leaf movement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases making manual operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the actuator into distinct functional components: the chain for force transmission, the carriage for movement, the connecting rod for articulation, and the selective locking means for control. This segmentation allows the locking function to be isolated and simplified, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability through modular design where each component has a specific, straightforward function
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
Enables reliable operation and safe manual operation of gate leaves during power cuts or component failures by allowing the actuator to be converted into a compass-like mechanism, ensuring the gate can be maneuvered even when drive means are inactive, thus addressing the safety and convenience issues of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The selective locking means comprise a screw for locking the connecting rod in rotation relative to the carriage
Implementation Method 2
these selective locking means comprise a latch movably mounted on a first part, among the connecting rod and the carriage, between a first position in engagement with a member fixed to a second part, among the same connecting rod and the same carriage, and a second position disengaged with respect to this body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This electric actuator for opening includes a main part (81) intended to be articulated on a plate (6) and including a core (88) and a motor-reducer assembly (92) mounted on this core and associated with a chain (84) for driving a trolley (82) movable along a predetermined trajectory (D1), between a first position and a second position, as well as a connecting rod (80) intended to be articulated on an opening to be operated with the actuator.Means (87, 99) for securing the carriage (88) and the connecting rod (80) include, on the one hand, means for articulating (87) the connecting rod (80) on the carriage (82), around an axis (X98) of rotation and, on the other hand, mechanical means (99) for selectively locking the articulation means in rotation, these locking means being able to take a first configuration where they immobilize the connecting rod (80) in rotation relative to the carriage (82), allowing the transmission of a movement from the carriage to the connecting rod, and a second configuration where they do not oppose the rotation of the connecting rod relative to the carriage.