Controllable Clutch Actuator for Fault-Safe Low-Energy Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators face challenges in being placed in a safe state during faults, such as power failures, and have high energy consumption due to continuous energy requirements for maintaining position, especially in electromechanical and pneumatic/hydraulic drives.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a controlled clutch mechanism that allows adjustment only when the clutch is active, using a force-transmitting element coupled to the actuator, and a reset device to adjust the actuator to safe positions when the clutch is not active, minimizing energy consumption by optimizing magnetic forces and using an electromechanical drive with a stepper motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electromechanical drive is used to adjust the actuator, then the actuator can be precisely controlled, but the actuator cannot be adjusted independently of the drive in the event of a fault
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into two independent adjustment paths: one through the drive mechanism for precise control, and another through the reset device for fault safety. The clutch mechanism segments the power transmission path, allowing selective engagement of either the drive or the reset device, ensuring that failure of one path does not compromise the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the drive and the actuating element. It mediates the power transmission by selectively engaging or disengaging the drive from the actuating element, allowing the reset device to directly adjust the actuating element when the clutch is disengaged, thus providing fault safety while maintaining control precision when engaged.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an electromagnetic drive with continuous coil energization is used to hold the actuator in position, then the actuator can be held at any position, but the energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous coil energization, the system uses periodic action through the clutch mechanism. The clutch is engaged only when drive adjustment is needed, and disengaged when the reset device holds the position. This intermittent engagement pattern reduces energy consumption while maintaining position holding stability through the mechanical holding capability of the reset device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic holding system is replaced with a mechanical holding system. The reset device, when engaged through the disengaged clutch, provides mechanical position holding without requiring continuous electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous coil energization while maintaining stable position holding.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a pneumatic or hydraulic drive with continuous neutral control medium supply is used to hold the control element, then the control element can be held in position, but the energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous supply of neutral control medium is replaced by periodic action. The clutch mechanism allows the reset device to mechanically hold the actuating element position when disengaged, eliminating the need for continuous pneumatic or hydraulic medium supply. Energy is consumed only when the clutch is engaged for drive adjustment, not during position holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic or hydraulic holding system is replaced with a mechanical holding system. The reset device provides direct mechanical position holding when the clutch is disengaged, eliminating the need for continuous control medium supply and associated energy consumption, while maintaining stable position holding capability.
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 the actuator to be safely adjusted and maintained in low-energy states, reducing energy consumption and allowing operation during faults without external power, suitable for precise control of systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator (1) comprises an electrical coil (16) by means of which the coupling can be activated by generating a magnetic field when energized
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic circuit can advantageously form across the force-transmitting element, the coupling element, and the coil, whereby an attractive force acts between the force-transmitting element and the coupling element through the magnetic circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (1) with a movable actuating element (5) and at least one drive for adjusting the actuating element (5) between two end positions, wherein the drive acts on a force-transmitting element (14) movable relative to the actuating element (5), wherein the force-transmitting element (14) and the actuating element (5) can be coupled by means of a controlled clutch (14, 15, 16), wherein the actuating element (5) can only be adjusted by means of the drive in the direction of its first end position (8) and/or in the direction of its second end position (9) when the clutch (14, 15, 16) is engaged, and wherein a return device adjusts the actuating element (5) to its first end position (8) or to its second end position (9) when the clutch (14, 15, 16) is disengaged.