Actuator Test Rig Pin-Clutch Coupling for High-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, and manual coupling and decoupling become increasingly challenging as load increases, making it hard to easily switch between establishing or undoing the coupling between the actuator and the load unit.
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 for easy switching of coupling between the actuator and the load unit, where the pin part penetrates through the levers to establish or undo the coupling, facilitated by an operating lever that moves the pin between penetrating and non-penetrating positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a load actuator is used to apply load to the actuator under test, then the test can be performed with controllable load, but the control following capability deteriorates especially with large load actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the controlled load actuator system with a passive mechanical load generation system using lever parts and weight. This substitution eliminates the control delay inherent in actuator-based systems while maintaining the ability to generate substantial load forces through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a counterweight mechanism where the first lever part and weight create a balanced mechanical system. The counterweight provides stable, predictable load forces without requiring active control, thereby improving control following capability while maintaining high load capability.
2Device complexity
If manual coupling and decoupling of the load unit is implemented, then the system can be simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates as load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism using a movable pin part that can be easily inserted and removed from the first and second lever parts. This dynamic connection allows rapid coupling and decoupling operations even with high load forces, maintaining ease of operation without requiring complex automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin part acts as an intermediary element between the first and second lever parts, providing a simple yet effective coupling mechanism. This intermediary component enables easy establishment and undoing of the coupling between the actuator and load part, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and operational ease.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pin part is positioned to penetrate through both lever parts, then the coupling is established, but the pin loading becomes uneven causing stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pin part to penetrate through the first lever part at an asymmetric location that is not at the extreme end. This asymmetric positioning, combined with the lever arm geometry, distributes the load more evenly across the pin, reducing stress concentration while maintaining easy coupling establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever part geometry and pin positioning are designed to create equipotential load distribution, where the mechanical advantage ratios balance the forces acting on the pin. This ensures equal loading of the pin and coupling parts, preventing stress concentration while maintaining simple coupling mechanics.
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
Enables effortless establishment and undoing of the coupling between the actuator and the load unit, ensuring equal loading of the pin and coupling parts, making it easier to transmit and adjust loads, thereby improving the test 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 that is coaxially arranged with the rotational shaft of the first lever part
Implementation Method 3
the power transmitting part preferably includes a pin part for penetrating through the first lever part and the second lever part
Data Source
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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 (10) for an actuator includes a load part (40) for outputting load to be applied to an actuator to be tested, first levers (51, 52) for swinging around a rotational shaft in connection with an output from the load part (40), an idler link (30) coupled to the output from the actuator to be tested, a second lever (53) coupled to the idler link (30) in a swingable manner and for swinging around a rotational shaft that is arranged coaxially with the rotational shaft of the first levers (51, 52), and a clutch mechanism (60) for coupling together the first levers (51, 52) and the second lever (53) and undoing the coupling.