Cable Cylinder Transmission With Offset Nut Anchorage Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing and maintenance of cable jacks with screw/nut assemblies are costly and prone to damage due to complex crimping processes, which complicates assembly and disassembly, especially in small-scale applications.

Innovation Solution

A cable actuator design featuring a frame with a screw and nut, where multiple cable strands are connected to the nut through crimps locked into holes, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without risk of damage, and improved force distribution through distinct planes and pulley systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If two cable strands are crimped at a single point on the nut for symmetric load distribution, then load symmetry is improved, but assembly complexity and risk of damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution symmetryVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cable connection system into multiple independent cable strands (first, second, third, and fourth cable strands) that are distributed around the nut in distinct planes. Instead of crimping two cables at a single point, each cable strand is independently routed and connected to the nut at different locations, segmenting the connection points to reduce assembly complexity and damage risk while maintaining load symmetry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional symmetric arrangement (two cables in one plane) to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement with cable strands extending in multiple distinct planes (second plane and third plane). This spatial distribution around the nut allows for easier assembly and reduced interference during crimping operations while preserving load symmetry through proper geometric arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a crimp locking system is added to prevent play between crimp and nut, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate support elements (first intermediate support and second intermediate support) that act as mediators between the cable strands and the nut. These supports provide additional connection points and help distribute forces, eliminating the need for complex prestressing locking systems while maintaining connection reliability and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If multiple cable strands are connected to the nut in distinct planes, then assembly ease and disassembly ease are improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where cable strands are distributed in distinct planes (second plane and third plane) rather than symmetric arrangements in a single plane. This asymmetric spatial distribution facilitates easier assembly and disassembly by reducing interference between cable strands and providing clear access to connection points, while the overall structure remains balanced through proper geometric positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This design reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs while enhancing the reliability and linearity of the actuator, allowing for efficient force transmission and compactness.

Implementation Method 1

a screw mounted on the frame and extending along a first axis, a nut cooperating with the screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

A first cable strand and a second cable strand are directly coupled to the nut and extend from a first side of a first plane orthogonal to the first axis and passing through the nut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3903015B1Transmission for cable cylinder with offset nut anchorage
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3903015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3903015B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3903015B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuator (100) comprising: - a frame (20); - a screw (2) mounted on the frame; - a nut (4) engaging with the screw (2); - a motor (3) arranged to rotate the screw (2); - a first cable strand (6.1) and a second cable strand (9.1) coupled to the nut (4) and extending on a first side (8.1) of a first plane (P1); - a third cable strand (6.4) and a fourth cable strand (9.4) coupled to the nut (4) and extending on a second side (8.2) of the first plane (P1); - the first cable strand (6.1) and the second cable strand (9.1) extending in a second plane (P2); - the third cable strand (6.4) and the fourth cable strand (9.4) extending in a third plane (P3); - the second plane (P2) and the third plane (P3) being separate.