Adjustable Switching Cam Layout for Variable-Angle Pivot Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot actuators have a fixed pivot angle, limiting their versatility and requiring multiple switching cams for different angles, which complicates storage and management.
Innovation Solution
The pivot actuator is redesigned with two discs arranged on top of each other, allowing continuous adjustment of the pivot angle by pivoting them relative to each other, supported by a teething mechanism, and featuring a spring-urged piston for neutral positioning and fluid-driven movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pivot angle is used in existing pivot actuators, then the structure is simple, but the versatility is limited and multiple switching cams are required for different angles
Solution Approach 1:
The switching cam is divided into two separate discs that can be independently positioned. Each disc can be rotated to different angular orientations, allowing the pivot angle to be adjusted by the relative angular position between the two discs. This segmentation enables continuous variable pivot angles while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching cam structure is made dynamic by allowing the two discs to be rotated relative to each other. The angular orientation of each disc can be changed to achieve different pivot angles, transforming the fixed structure into an adjustable one. This dynamic capability provides versatility without requiring multiple separate switching cams.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching cams are stocked for different pivot angles, then the adaptability is improved, but the storage and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single switching cam assembly with two rotatable discs can perform the function of multiple fixed switching cams. By rotating the discs to different angular orientations, a range of pivot angles can be achieved, making one universal component replace multiple angle-specific components. This reduces the quantity of switching cams needed while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical switching cam component to achieve different pivot angles, the invention changes the angular orientation parameter of the existing discs. By adjusting the relative angular position of the two discs, different pivot angles are achieved, eliminating the need to stock multiple switching cams with different geometries.
3Ease of operation
If the stop elements are threaded into the housing for adjustment, then the end positions are adjustable, but the adjustment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop elements are designed to be self-adjusting through a simple threading mechanism. The threaded connection allows the stop elements to be easily moved along the drive shaft to adjust the end positions, and the threads themselves provide the adjustment mechanism without requiring additional complex components. The system is self-contained and does not need external adjustment devices.
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 continuous variable pivot angles, simplifies the need for multiple switching cams, and allows adjustable end positions with enhanced flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot actuator according to the invention includes spring elements between the housing and the piston wherein the spring elements urge the piston into a neutral position within the pivot angle arrange
Implementation Method 2
a pressure tight chamber defined within the piston and a fluid connection at the chamber wherein the piston is moveable by loading the fluid connection with a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a pivot actuator (1), comprising: a housing (2); a piston (3) that is supported in the housing (2) and displaceable along a longitudinal axis (7) of the housing; a drive shaft (4) that protrudes from the housing (2) wherein the piston (3) engages the drive shaft (4) by form locking so that the drive shaft (4) is pivoted about a drive axis (8) by a pivot angle between two end positions through a displacement of the piston; and a switching cam (11) that is fixed torque proof at the drive shaft and configured to contact a stop element (5) at the housing (2) with a respective contact surface (18) of the switch cam in the two end positions, characterized in that the switching cam (11) includes two discs (15) that are arranged adjacent to one another along the drive axis (8), wherein one respective contact surface (18) of the two contact surfaces (18) is arranged at each of the two discs (15) respectively.