Linear Actuator Spherical Coupling Radial Load Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current linear electro-mechanical actuators for water cutting face issues with misalignment between the rod's axis of extension and the direction of translation, leading to radial loads that deteriorate performance and increase the risk of premature failure, especially due to loss of control of the alternating motion.

Innovation Solution

The actuator incorporates an elastic constraining system with springs and a spherical coupling between the rod and screw, allowing for partial transverse movement and rotation, which absorbs radial loads and limits deformation, while an anti-rotation system with a recirculating ball bearing guides the translation unit, reducing the risk of damage from misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rod axis of extension is aligned with the direction of translation, then the actuator performance is optimized, but misalignment causes radial loads that deteriorate performance and increase failure risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator reliabilityVSAvoidradial loads

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (the spherical coupling or ball joint) between the rod and the translation unit that mediates the force transmission. This intermediary allows the rod axis to be misaligned with the translation direction while still transmitting axial forces effectively, converting the harmful misalignment into a manageable degree of freedom rather than a source of radial loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connection between rod and screw by introducing elastic means (springs) and a spherical coupling. This transforms the rigid constraint into a flexible connection that can accommodate misalignment, changing the system's ability to handle radial loads and deformation without catastrophic failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the actuator operates under ideal alignment conditions, then load capacity is maximized, but misalignment leads to loss of control and catastrophic failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload capacityVSAvoidfailure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing elastic means (springs) between the rod and screw that act as a buffer or cushion. These springs are pre-configured to absorb radial loads and limit deformation before misalignment can lead to catastrophic failure, providing a safety margin that protects the actuator under unexpected misalignment conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of misalignment into a beneficial feature by allowing the spherical coupling to accommodate the misalignment. Instead of preventing misalignment entirely, the design embraces it as a degree of freedom that protects against catastrophic failure while maintaining effective force transmission through the rod's axial direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If the supporting structure is integrated as a single part, then manufacturing is simplified, but the anti-rotation system cannot effectively guide the translation unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupporting structure manufacturingVSAvoidtranslation guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the supporting structure into at least two separate components: the main supporting structure that houses the motor and lead nut, and a separate interface portion or mounting structure that provides the translation guidance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration significantly enhances the actuator's reliability and performance by absorbing radial loads and limiting deformation, thereby reducing the risk of premature failure and catastrophic events caused by misalignment and loss of control.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator (1) comprises elastic means by means of which the constraining system (5) is at least partly elastic at least in a direction transverse to the direction of translation (X)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The anti-rotation system may comprise a linear recirculating ball screw bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS10502294B2Linear electro-mechanical actuator, preferably for water cutting

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 UMBRAGRP SPA

AI summary

A linear electro-mechanical actuator (1) preferably for water cutting, makes it possible to significantly improve the working conditions of the actuator (1), so as to optimize its load capacity and increase the working life of the actuator (1), and makes it possible to reduce the risk of breakage or damage of the actuator (1) following loss of control of the movement aimed at producing the force applied by the actuator (1).