Anti-Backbend Chain Actuator Layout for Compact Low-Wear Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators with anti-backbend chains face issues of space-consuming construction and significant wear, particularly due to the accommodation of the chain, which limits their flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The actuator is designed with a dual structural unit configuration, where the drive motor and engagement means are in one unit and the chain depot in another, allowing for independent arrangement and adaptation to spatial conditions, with features like a second housing for chain storage, guide elements, and a connecting element to reduce length and enhance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chain is accommodated in the known actuators, then the actuator can function, but the construction becomes space-consuming and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two independent structural units: a first structural unit containing the drive motor and engagement means, and a second structural unit containing the chain depot. This segmentation allows the chain to be stored separately from the drive mechanism, reducing wear on the chain during operation and enabling a more compact overall design while maintaining functionality.
2Length of stationary object
If the chain is deflected in front of the electric motor, then the actuator achieves a slim design, but the chain accommodation takes up considerable length
Solution Approach 1:
The chain depot is positioned laterally along the drive motor rather than extending the actuator lengthwise. This dimensional repositioning allows the chain to be stored in a compact volume adjacent to the drive mechanism, achieving a slim actuator length while providing adequate chain accommodation space through lateral expansion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first and second structural units are arranged independently, then the installation space is reduced and adaptability to spatial conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two structural units are designed as independent, universal modules that can be arranged in various configurations (side-by-side, end-to-end, at angles) to adapt to different installation spaces. The chain connects these modules, and the independent design allows the same basic units to serve multiple spatial requirements without redesigning the core components.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes first and second structural units arranged independently of one another. An engagement means is arranged in the first structural unit. A drive motor is in driving relationship to the engagement means and arranged in the first structural unit. An anti-backbend chain is in engagement with the engagement means, and a chain depot is arranged in the second structural unit.