Actuator Position Sensor Using Screw-Nut Linear Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuator systems for position measurement are complex, bulky, and prone to inaccuracies due to the need for movement conversion via amplification or reduction gear mechanisms, making them difficult and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The system replaces the reduction gearbox with a screw shaft and nut system, using a linear sensor to directly measure the axial position of the nut, mirroring the screw shaft and nut assembly, eliminating the need for rotary-to-linear conversion gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reduction gearbox is used to convert rotary motion to linear motion for position sensing, then position measurement can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reduction gearbox with a screw shaft and nut mechanism combined with a linear sensor. The screw shaft converts rotary motion to linear motion directly, eliminating the need for complex gear trains while maintaining position measurement capability through the linear sensor that reads the nut's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the reduction gearbox from the system, replacing it with a simpler screw-nut-linear sensor arrangement. This extraction eliminates unnecessary mechanical complexity while preserving the essential function of position sensing.
2Measurement precision
If multi-stage gear mechanisms are used for movement conversion, then position sensing is achieved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex multi-stage gear mechanisms with a simple screw shaft and nut assembly paired with a linear sensor. This replacement dramatically simplifies manufacturing while maintaining accurate position sensing through direct linear measurement of the nut's position on the screw shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a linear sensor to directly copy and measure the position information from the screw-nut mechanism, eliminating the need for complex intermediate gear conversions. This direct copying approach simplifies the system while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If reduction gear mechanisms are used in the position sensor train, then position measurement is possible, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the bulky reduction gear mechanisms from the position sensor train, replacing them with a compact screw-nut-linear sensor arrangement. This extraction significantly reduces system volume while maintaining position measurement capability through the linear sensor's direct reading of nut position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces volume-intensive gear mechanisms with a compact screw shaft and nut system combined with a linear sensor. The linear sensor provides accurate position measurement in a compact form factor, eliminating the need for large reduction gears.
4Measurement precision
If conventional position sensor assemblies with gear mechanisms are used, then position sensing is achieved, but inaccuracies occur in position sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gear-based position sensing with a direct linear sensing approach using a linear sensor on the screw-nut mechanism. This substitution eliminates gear backlash and mechanical play that cause inaccuracies, providing more reliable and accurate position sensing through direct linear measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a linear sensor to directly copy the position information from the screw-nut mechanism without intermediate mechanical conversions. This direct copying eliminates cumulative errors from multiple gear stages, improving position sensing accuracy and reliability.
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
This results in a smaller, simpler, and more accurate position sensor train that is easier and less costly to manufacture, providing reliable and precise position measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a screw shaft and nut system wherein the position of the nut feeds into a linear sensor that determines the stabilizer position based on the nut position. The screw shaft and nut system in the position sensor train is reflective of the screw shaft and nut system and the stabilizer movement end of the assembly whereby rotation of the shaft causes axial movement of the nut along the shaft.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system of the present disclosure replaces the reduction gearbox of a conventional system with a screw shaft and nut system wherein the position of the nut feeds into a linear sensor that determines the stabilizer position based on the nut position. The screw shaft and nut system in the position sensor train is reflective of the screw shaft and nut system and the stabilizer movement end of the assembly whereby rotation of the shaft causes axial movement of the nut along the shaft.