Actuator Test Rig Coupling Lever Mechanism for Load Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test apparatuses for actuators face difficulties in achieving good control following capability, especially with large load actuators, due to challenges in manually establishing or undoing the coupling between the actuator and the load unit, which complicates the testing process.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus design featuring a load part, first and second lever parts, and a power transmitting part with a pin mechanism allows easy switching of coupling between the actuator and the load unit, using a pin that penetrates through the levers and an operating lever to establish or undo the connection, ensuring even loading and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a load actuator is used to apply load to the actuator being tested, then the test can be performed with controlled load application, but the control following capability deteriorates as the load actuator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the controlled mechanical load actuator system with a direct mechanical load generation system using lever parts and weight loads. This substitution eliminates the control delay issues inherent in large load actuators while maintaining the ability to apply necessary loads for testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lever parts as intermediary mechanical elements that transmit and amplify the load from weights to the actuator being tested. The lever mechanism provides mechanical advantage, enabling effective load application without requiring a large, slow-responding load actuator.
2Reliability
If a unit for mechanically generating load is used instead of a load actuator, then the control following capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in manually establishing or undoing the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coupling mechanism dynamic and easily adjustable through the power transmitting part that can establish or undo the connection between lever parts. This dynamic coupling system allows operators to quickly change the mechanical configuration without difficult manual assembly or disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the load generation system into separable components (lever parts, power transmitting part, load application unit) that can be independently positioned and coupled. This segmentation allows for easy establishment and undoing of connections by simply engaging or disengaging the power transmitting part between discrete components.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling between the actuator and load unit is made easily switchable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the power transmitting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coupling function into a separate, dedicated power transmitting part that can be independently operated. This extraction allows the coupling mechanism to be simplified and specialized, reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of operation for establishing or undoing connections.
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 enables effortless switching of coupling, facilitating the transmission of load to the actuator and improving the control following capability by allowing easy insertion and removal of the pin, thus simplifying the testing process and enhancing the apparatus's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first lever part for swinging around a rotational shaft in connection with an output from the load part
Implementation Method 2
a second lever part coupled to the link part in a swingable manner, where the second lever part swings around a rotational shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a test apparatus for an actuator, which can easily switch whether to establish or undo the coupling between an actuator to be tested and a load part configured to apply load to the actuator. A test apparatus for an actuator includes a load part for outputting load to be applied to an actuator to be tested, first levers for swinging around a rotational shaft in connection with an output from the load part, an idler link coupled to the output from the actuator to be tested, a second lever coupled to the idler link in a swingable manner and for swinging around a rotational shaft that is arranged coaxially with the rotational shaft of the first levers, and a clutch mechanism for coupling together the first levers and the second lever and undoing the coupling.