Electric Actuator Manual Adjustment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric actuators with manual adjustment mechanisms face precision issues due to the weakness of small parts in the locking mechanism, leading to deflection under applied forces, which affects the accuracy of adjustments in applications like hospital beds.
Innovation Solution
The electric actuator incorporates a strengthened connection structure using a support ring between the cylindrical connector and connection seat, along with a coupling ring, slide slots, locking slots, and an elastic member, allowing precise axial movement and locking of the actuating shaft, enhancing the mechanical stability and precision of adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with many small parts is used in the manual adjustment mechanism, then the actuating shaft can be locked to prevent axial rotation, but the small parts have insufficient strength and deflect under applied forces, reducing adjustment precision
Solution Approach 1:
A support ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking mechanism and the connection seat. The support ring receives and distributes the applied forces, preventing direct transmission of stress to the small locking parts. This mediator structure allows the locking mechanism to function reliably while protecting its weak components from excessive stress that would cause deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring distributes forces from a concentrated point load to a broader area, effectively moving the stress distribution from a one-dimensional concentration to a two-dimensional distribution across the ring structure. This dimensional change reduces the stress intensity on individual locking parts, preventing deflection while maintaining locking reliability.
2Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used, then the actuating shaft can be locked, but the mechanism includes many small parts that are prone to errors and deflection under force
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, distributes forces, and works in conjunction with the locking mechanism. By merging the support function with the locking mechanism, the patent reduces the number of separate small parts needed, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is designed with many small parts, then the actuating shaft can be securely locked, but the small parts have strengths less than other parts and are prone to deflection under applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring acts as a mediator that decouples the locking security function from the precision adjustment function. It absorbs and distributes forces before they reach the locking parts, preventing force-induced deflection that would compromise adjustment precision while maintaining secure locking through the distributed force path.
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 design ensures precise and stable actuation by reducing rotation resistance and allowing for easy assembly, overcoming the limitations of conventional mechanisms by providing a robust and accurate manual adjustment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a screw rod is disposed therein. One end of the actuating shaft is engaged with the tread of the screw rod. A motor disposed in the electric actuator connects and axially rotates the screw rod. As the screws rod axially rotates, the actuating shaft axis is driven to move axially.
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member pressed against the knob and the connection seat along the axis of the knob
Data Source
AI summary
An electric actuator includes: an actuating shaft and a screw rod screwed to and driving the actuating shaft; a motor connecting the screw rod; a connection seat connecting the actuating shaft and including a positioning post and a rotary shaft; a coupling ring sleeved around and rotating with the positing post, and a slide slot disposed out of the coupling ring; a support ring sleeved around the rotary shaft; a cylindrical connector sleeved around the support ring and screwed to a hinge end cap and with a locking slot communicating with the slide slot and disposed out of the cylindrical connector; a knob sleeved around the cylindrical connector and the coupling ring and covering the rotary shaft, and a raised rib slidably connected to the slide slot and the locking slot and disposed in the knob.