Linear Drive Clutch Actuation Using Axial Pull Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear drives for furniture or sick bed adjustments face complexity in emergency clutch actuation, requiring lateral access and intricate rotary mechanisms, which can be problematic in urgent situations and complicate construction.
Innovation Solution
A compact clutch actuation system with two clamping elements, one rotatable and one slideable, using run-on bevels aligned axially with the spindle, allowing for axial displacement and emergency release without lateral access, integrated within the linear drive's housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary knob with eccentric mechanism is used to actuate the clutch, then the clutch can be engaged and disengaged, but the actuation mechanism becomes complex and requires lateral access which is problematic in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clutch actuation function from the complex rotary knob mechanism and implements it through a simple pull cord system. The pull cord directly engages the clutch release lever, eliminating the need for the eccentric mechanism and rotary knob, thereby simplifying the actuation mechanism while maintaining emergency release capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pull cord acts as an intermediary element that transmits the user's pulling action directly to the clutch release lever. This simple mechanical intermediary replaces the complex rotary mechanism, providing a straightforward path for force transmission that is both simple to operate and reliable in emergency situations
2Ease of operation
If a rotary knob mechanism is used for clutch actuation, then the clutch can be controlled, but the construction and assembly become relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex rotary knob and eccentric mechanism from the design, extracting only the essential clutch release function. The pull cord system consists of minimal components that are easier to manufacture and assemble compared to the rotary mechanism, while maintaining ease of operation through a simple pulling action
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch actuation system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the pull cord for actuation, the release lever for clutch disengagement, and the spring for return. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes and assembled more easily than an integrated rotary mechanism
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 simple, rapid, and compact emergency release of the clutch from various positions, reducing complexity and structural space requirements, while maintaining stability and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch connects the worm gear to the spindle holder and thus transmits the torque from the worm gear to the spindle holder
Implementation Method 2
between which a steep thread or run-on bevels is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A linear drive having a transmission housing and an electric motor which is accommodated in the transmission housing and drives a shaft with a worm. The shaft meshes with a worm gear which is non-rotatably connectable to a clutch to a spindle holder non-rotatably connected to a spindle. The clutch is biased by a spring and is adjustable by a clutch actuation. The clutch actuation includes a slide element which bears against the clutch and which is arranged non-rotatably but axially displaceably. A rotary element which is axially fixed but rotatable about an axis of rotation engages the slide element at an outside that faces away from the clutch. Run-on bevels of complementary configuration are provided between the slide element and the rotary element. The rotary element is actuable by a pulling element, and the slide element is axially displaceably in relation to the rotary element.