Arm Actuator Chain Support Arm Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arm actuators for pivoting building elements, such as roof windows, are prone to accidental collapse due to undesired forces, like gusts of wind, which can cause the push-pull chain to bend or straighten uncontrollably, leading to instability and potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed arm actuator incorporates a chain support arm that pivots simultaneously with the suspension arm, engaging the push-pull chain to prevent bending past a specific radius, providing stabilizing forces that maintain the chain's stability without affecting the actuator's form factor or operation, ensuring the building element remains in an open position despite external factors like wind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the push-pull chain is made stiff to support the building element, then the chain can carry the weight and maintain position, but the chain becomes vulnerable to accidental folding when subjected to undesired forces like wind gusts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a chain support arm that generates a counteracting force to oppose undesired forces (like wind gusts) that could cause the push-pull chain to fold. The support arm pivots simultaneously with the suspension arm and provides stabilizing force that counterbalances external loads, preventing accidental collapse while maintaining the chain's load-bearing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain support arm acts as an intermediary element between the push-pull chain and the frame. It mediates the interaction by engaging with the chain to prevent excessive bending in the first direction while allowing necessary movement. The support arm absorbs and distributes the stabilizing force, protecting the chain from direct exposure to harmful forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the push-pull chain is allowed to bend freely to follow movement radius, then the chain can adapt to building element motion, but the chain becomes unstable and may collapse under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the chain support arm movable rather than fixed. The support arm pivots simultaneously with the suspension arm, allowing it to adapt to the building element's movement while maintaining stability. This dynamic configuration enables the chain to follow the movement radius without collapsing, as the support arm adjusts its position to provide continuous stabilizing force.
3Reliability
If a counteracting force is generated by offsetting the load application point, then the chain is stabilized against undesired force, but the solution does not prevent accidental collapse completely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stabilization function into separate components: the suspension arm for movement and the chain support arm for stability. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the support arm specifically designed to engage with the chain and provide counteracting force against undesired loads, while the suspension arm handles the movement dynamics.
Data Source
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AI summary
An arm actuator (1) comprising a suspension arm (4) configured to move a building element (2) and a push-pull chain (5) configured to be operably connected to said suspension arm (4). The push-pull chain (5) can bend freely in a first direction (D1) when subjected to a first force (F1), and bend only to a limited extent in a second direction (D2) when subjected to a second force (F2), said second direction (D2) being opposite to said first direction (D1). A chain support arm (6) is provided, which pivots at least partially simultaneously with said suspension arm (4). The chain support arm (6) is configured to engage and prevent said push-pull chain (5) from bending, in said second direction (D2), past a first bending radius (Rl).