Compact Actuator Link Structure for Stiffness and Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators face challenges in maintaining stiffness while being compact due to small voids that are difficult to form without increasing size, leading to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design includes a frame with enlarged openings between connecting members and a central flat plate, supported by connecting members with specific orientations and shapes, allowing for larger voids without increasing the frame's size, thereby enhancing stiffness and enabling size reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the voids are made small to reduce the pump size, then the actuator can be compact, but the stiffness of the connection portions cannot be obtained and reliability degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion is divided into multiple segments (first connection portion, second connection portion, third connection portion) arranged in a stepped configuration. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute to the overall stiffness while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between small size and sufficient stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portions extend in multiple directions (radial direction and circumferential direction) rather than a single linear path. This multi-dimensional arrangement increases the effective stiffness of the connection while minimizing the void space required, enabling compact pump design without compromising structural reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If the width of the second portion is reduced to form small voids, then the pump size can be reduced, but the required stiffness for connection portions cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the connection structure have different widths and structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The first, second, and third connection portions have varying dimensions that provide appropriate stiffness locally while maintaining overall compactness. This local optimization allows the structure to achieve required strength without uniformly increasing all dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portions include curved or arc-shaped elements (such as the second connection portion extending in the circumferential direction) that provide structural efficiency. Curved geometries can achieve higher stiffness-to-volume ratios compared to straight linear connections, enabling compact design while maintaining required connection strength.
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 maintains stiffness and supports efficient vibration suppression, facilitating a compact actuator structure with reduced likelihood of structural failure.
Implementation Method 1
a driving device, such as a piezoelectric element, vibrates a flat plate
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a frame, a central flat plate and connecting members. The frame has a regular square opening. The central flat plate has a circular shape and is disposed inside the regular square opening. A driving device is attached to the central flat plate. The connecting members are disposed inside the regular square opening at a position between the central flat plate and the frame. The connecting members connect the central flat plate and the frame. Each connecting member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends in a radial direction extending outward from the center of the central flat plate. The first portion is connected to the central flat plate and to the second portion. The second portion extends in a direction different from the extending direction of the first portion.