Linear Actuator Spacer Restricts Plate Spring Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

In linear actuators with a plate spring connecting the inner and outer cores, large displacements can cause the plate spring to contact the inner core, leading to potential metallic sounds and increased complexity and cost due to the need for restriction members to prevent contact.

Innovation Solution

A spacer with a penetration section and restriction section is used between the plate spring and the inner core, restricting deformation and preventing contact, while maintaining ease of assembly by integrating the restriction function within the spacer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a restriction member is provided between the plate spring and the inner core to prevent contact, then contact between the plate spring and the inner core is prevented, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of plate spring contact with inner coreVSAvoidnumber of components and assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction function is merged into the spacer by forming a restriction section that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole. This integration eliminates the need for a separate restriction member, reducing component count while maintaining the function of preventing plate spring contact with the inner core.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer acts as an intermediary component between the plate spring and the inner core. The restriction section of the spacer serves as a mediator that limits the deformation amount of the plate spring, preventing direct contact between the plate spring and the inner core without requiring additional restriction members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the plate spring is allowed to deform freely to accommodate large displacements, then the movable element achieves large displacement range, but the plate spring contacts the inner core causing metallic sounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement range of movable elementVSAvoidmetallic sound from plate spring contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction section protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole to create a preliminary barrier that prevents the plate spring from deforming beyond a predetermined amount. This preliminary anti-action stops the plate spring before it can contact the inner core, eliminating metallic sounds while allowing sufficient displacement range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the spacer restricts deformation of the plate spring to the inner core side, then contact between the plate spring and inner core is prevented, but the displacement range of the movable element is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of plate spring contact with inner coreVSAvoiddisplacement range of movable element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction section is designed with specific local geometry protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole. This local quality provides targeted restriction only when the plate spring deforms beyond the predetermined amount toward the inner core, while allowing free deformation in the opposite direction and within acceptable limits, thus maintaining adequate displacement range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 spacer effectively prevents contact between the plate spring and the inner core, reducing noise and assembly complexity, and maintaining a compact structure, thus inhibiting contact and enhancing assembly workability without increasing the number of components.

Implementation Method 1

The plate spring is connected to the inner core and the outer core in a manner such that the aforementioned one direction matches the thickness direction, and allows a reciprocating movement of the outer core with respect to the inner core in the one direction by deformation in the thickness direction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the outer core can be caused to perform a reciprocating movement with respect to the inner core in the one direction by controlling the passage of current to the coil to thereby alter a magnetic field that arises between the outer core and the permanent magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10819203B2Linear actuator

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 SINFONIA TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

A linear actuator is provided that has a configuration capable of inhibiting contact between an inner core and a plate spring that is connected to the inner core and an outer core, and which is realized by a configuration that is easy to assemble. A stator is arranged in an opening section of a through-hole in the inner core, and has a spacer through which a shaft passes. An outer frame section of the plate spring is connected to the outer core, and a fixed section of the plate spring is connected to the inner core through the spacer in a state in which the shaft passes therethrough. The spacer includes a penetration section having an insertion hole which the shaft is inserted through, and restriction sections and which restrict a displacement of a predetermined amount or more of the plate spring to the inner core side.