Actuator Through-Holes for Pressure Differential Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators face inefficiencies due to strong differential pressure inside the linear actuator, leading to higher idle torque and reduced efficiency, especially during rapid retraction and extension of the cantilever.
Innovation Solution
The linear actuator incorporates through-holes in various components such as the threaded spindle, pivot bearings, and threaded nut, allowing lubricating oil to flow more freely and reducing pressure differential, thereby enhancing lubrication and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling channels are used to transfer heat and lubricating oil, then cooling efficiency is improved, but strong differential pressure is produced during rapid movement which increases idle torque and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space is divided into multiple cavities by partition walls, with each cavity having its own cooling channels and lubricating oil. This segmentation allows independent pressure management in each cavity, reducing the overall differential pressure differential across the threaded spindle while maintaining effective cooling and lubrication in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls with through-holes act as intermediaries between cavities, allowing controlled fluid communication while maintaining structural separation. This enables pressure equalization and reduces differential pressure buildup during rapid cantilever movement, thereby reducing idle torque on the threaded spindle.
2Productivity
If the cantilever is rapidly retracted and extended, then productivity is improved, but strong differential pressure is produced which increases idle torque and lowers efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the internal space into multiple cavities with partition walls allows each cavity to manage pressure changes more independently during rapid cantilever movement. This reduces the cumulative differential pressure effect that would otherwise occur in a single large cavity, enabling faster movement while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls incorporate through-holes that allow lubricating oil to pass through while providing pressure equalization between cavities. This porous structure enables rapid fluid communication that reduces pressure differentials during high-speed operation, allowing improved productivity without excessive idle torque.
3Reliability
If through-holes are added to components, then lubrication is improved and pressure differential is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls with integrated through-holes provide lubrication pathways without requiring separate lubrication components for each cavity. This segmented approach improves lubrication quality while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent lubrication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls serve multiple functions: structural separation of cavities, pressure equalization through through-holes, and lubrication pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated lubrication components, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 optimized design with through-holes improves lubrication and reduces pressure differential, resulting in lower idle torque and increased efficiency of the actuator, even during rapid movements.
Implementation Method 1
the lubricating oil can flow through through-holes upon a movement of the cantilever, lubrication is improved
Implementation Method 2
the liquid displaced from the interior of the cantilever still needs to pass through the threaded nut
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes a hermetically sealed housing, a cantilever that can be retracted into and extended out of the housing, and several components provided in the linear actuator. The components are configured so as to facilitate a flow of lubricating oil through the linear actuator, in particular when the cantilever is rapidly retracted and extended. This is achieved in that through-holes are provided in some components, through which lubricating oil and gas that has been filled into the housing can flow upon retraction and extension.