Linear Actuator Thrust Rod Inner Sleeve Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Machining the internal surface of high-strength materials like steel for linear actuator thrust tubes is expensive and time-consuming, requiring costly processes to achieve a smooth finish.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an extruded inner sleeve with a desired surface finish is inserted into the thrust rod, which can be attached using various methods such as end plates, gluing, or welding, to provide a cost-effective and efficient alternative to machining the internal surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the internal surface of a thrust rod made of high-strength material is machined to provide a smooth finish, then the surface quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust rod is divided into two functional parts: an outer structural tube and an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve is a separate component that provides the smooth internal surface finish, while the outer tube maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
An inner sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive screw bearing and the thrust rod interior. This sleeve serves as a mediator that provides the required smooth surface finish without requiring the expensive machining of the entire thrust rod, particularly the high-strength outer tube.
2Manufacturing precision
If grinding is used to finish the internal surfaces of steel thrust tubes, then the surface roughness is reduced, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve is pre-manufactured with the required smooth surface finish through extrusion or other cost-effective processes. This preliminary preparation of the surface finish eliminates the need for time-consuming grinding operations on the final assembled thrust rod, significantly reducing production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve is made from materials that are easier and cheaper to finish than high-strength steel thrust tubes. By using a different material for the inner sleeve that is more amenable to cost-effective finishing processes, the overall production time and cost are reduced while maintaining the required surface quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes an actuator housing (20), a drive screw assembly (26) extending into the actuator housing (20), a tubular thrust rod (22), and an inner sleeve (104) disposed therein and engaging the drive screw assembly (26) for supporting the drive screw assembly (26) against radial movement during axial movement of the thrust rod (22) relative to the actuator housing (20). The drive screw assembly (26) includes a rotatable drive screw (72), a nut (74) coupled to the thrust rod (22) for movement with the nut (74) and in threaded engagement with the screw (72) for driving the nut (74) relative to the screw (72), and a screw bearing (76) coupled to a distal end (90) of the screw (72) for providing engagement between the screw (72) and the inner sleeve (104), where the nut (74) translates rotational movement of the screw (72) into axial movement of the thrust rod (22).