Electric Actuator Ventilation Section for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric actuators using ball screw mechanisms face durability issues due to pressure differences generated during screw shaft movement, which can lead to boot dents or overloading, limiting the design flexibility and stroke length.
Innovation Solution
An electric actuator design incorporating a ventilation section with a vent, air flow path, and filter to adjust internal pressure and prevent foreign matter entry, featuring a labyrinth seal and strategically positioned filter to avoid lubricant contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the screw shaft moves forward or backward in a closed space, then the boot expands or contracts, but pressure difference is generated causing boot dents or overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air from the closed accommodation space by providing a ventilation section that communicates the interior with the exterior. This allows the pressure to equalize with the external atmosphere, eliminating the harmful pressure differences that cause boot dents and overloading during screw shaft movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation section is designed to preemptively counteract the pressure difference that would otherwise build up during boot expansion and contraction. By maintaining pressure equilibrium from the start, the system prevents the harmful effects before they occur.
2Reliability
If the ventilation section is provided to adjust internal pressure, then boot durability is improved, but foreign matter may enter the electric actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary element in the ventilation path. This filter allows air to pass through for pressure equalization while blocking foreign matter from entering the accommodation space, thus resolving the contradiction between ventilation needs and contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is strategically positioned at the ventilation section where it can selectively allow air molecules to pass while blocking larger foreign particles. This local quality differentiation enables the system to maintain pressure equilibrium without compromising against contamination.
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 solution effectively adjusts internal pressure, enhances durability by preventing boot damage, and allows for a longer stroke length while maintaining cleanliness by filtering out foreign matter.
Implementation Method 1
when the screw shaft of the ball screw mechanism moves, a pressure difference is generated in the closed space
Implementation Method 2
The ventilation section, which is provided with a filter, can prevent foreign matter from entering the electric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An electric actuator 1 includes a drive unit 2, a driving force transmission mechanism 3, a motion conversion mechanism 4, an accommodation space accommodating the drive unit 2, the driving force transmission mechanism 3, and the motion conversion mechanism 4, and a ventilation section 5. The ventilation section 5 includes a vent 53 penetrating a partition wall partitioning the driving force transmission mechanism 3, an air flow path 46 communicating with the vent 53, and a filter 60.