Coaxial Rotating Actuator Layout for Compact Active Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating actuators for active aerodynamics systems in vehicles are bulky due to their significant volume, which limits their compact integration on vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A compact rotating actuator design featuring parallel and coaxial driving and transmission shafts, with a transmission system utilizing a traveler and drive screw couplings to efficiently transfer rotational motion from the driving shaft to the transmission shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an intermediate shaft with orthogonal axes is used to transmit motion between driving shaft and transmission shaft, then the transmission system is established, but the overall volume of the actuator becomes significant and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional orthogonal arrangement (intermediate shaft with axes perpendicular to both driving and transmission shafts) to a one-dimensional coaxial arrangement where all shafts share the same longitudinal axis. This dimensional simplification eliminates the need for spatial orientation changes and reduces the overall volume occupied by the transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple shafts into a single coaxial configuration. Instead of having separate intermediate shafts that bridge orthogonal axes, the traveler and drive screw couplings directly connect the driving shaft and transmission shaft along their common axis, consolidating the transmission path and reducing component count.
2Volume of moving object
If the driving shaft and transmission shaft are arranged with parallel and coaxial configuration, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but a transmission mechanism must be developed to transfer rotational motion between coaxial shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The traveler acts as an intermediary element that transfers rotational motion between the driving shaft and transmission shaft through the drive screw couplings. This mediator component enables the coaxial transmission while maintaining the compact configuration, as the traveler can translate rotation from one shaft to another along the common axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the traveler and two drive screw couplings. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (motion transfer, rotational-to-translational conversion) while collectively achieving the overall goal of compact coaxial shaft connection.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact transmission system is implemented, then the actuator dimensions are reduced, but the system must maintain irreversibility and resistance to external loads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical transmission elements (such as gears or belts) with a drive screw coupling mechanism. This substitution provides inherent irreversibility due to the self-locking nature of screw threads, which prevent back-driving from the transmission shaft to the driving shaft, thereby maintaining reliability and load resistance in a compact form.
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 significantly reduces the overall dimensions of the actuator, enabling more compact integration on vehicles while maintaining the system's ability to resist external loads and control adjustable vehicle body parts effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first drive screw coupling between the driving shaft and the traveler, and a second drive screw coupling between the traveler and the transmission shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotating actuator for an active aerodynamics system, defining a longitudinal axis (x) and comprising: a driving shaft (12) provided with a first screw-thread (20) and controlled by a motor (11) for rotation about the longitudinal axis (x); a transmission shaft (15) parallel to the driving shaft (12), provided with a second screw-thread (14) and configured to couple with an adjustable part of the bodywork of a vehicle; a transmission (25) coupled with the driving shaft (12) and with the transmission shaft (15), said transmission comprising: a traveler (13) having a first threaded part (13a) and a second threaded part (13b); a first drive screw coupling (30) between the first screw-thread (20) and the first threaded part (13a) of the traveler (13); a second drive screw coupling (31) between the second screw-thread (14) and the second threaded part (13b) of the traveler (13); wherein the transmission is adapted to transmit the rotating motion of the driving shaft (12) to the transmission shaft (15) by means of a translating motion of the traveler (13) relative to the driving shaft (12) and the transmission shaft (15); wherein, of the driving shaft (12) and transmission shaft (15), one is a hollow shaft and the other is arranged partially within the hollow shaft, the driving shaft (12), the transmission shaft (15) and the transmission (25) being coaxial.