Compact Quick Release Unit for Linear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release units in actuators are bulky and occupy significant space due to the length of coupling springs and bulky release mechanisms, which is a limitation in applications requiring compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A compact quick release unit is designed with two coaxially positioned coupling parts that are spring-biased for engagement but can be axially moved to disengage, utilizing a cylindrical spring and gear wheel configuration to minimize length and space requirements, with torque-transferring means arranged to press coupling parts together, and incorporating a disc and eccentric mechanism for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling springs and release mechanisms are used in quick release units, then the quick release function is achieved, but the unit occupies significant space and increases actuator length
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling parts are designed with one coupling part extending into the other, creating a nested configuration. The internal coupling part is received within the external coupling part, allowing both components to occupy the same axial space rather than requiring separate lengths. This nesting approach maintains the quick release functionality while minimizing the overall length of the quick release unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque-transferring engaging means are arranged radially rather than axially. The ribs extend radially from the internal coupling part into the hollow of the external coupling part, allowing torque transfer in the radial direction while keeping the axial length minimal. This dimensional reorientation enables the quick release unit to be compact in the axial direction while still providing effective torque transfer.
2Length of stationary object
If coupling parts are positioned coaxially to reduce length, then compactness is improved, but the release mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical spring automatically biases the coupling parts into engagement without requiring external actuation. When the activating element is rotated, the coupling parts self-align and self-engage through the spring's biasing force, eliminating the need for complex external release mechanisms. The system serves itself by utilizing the rotational motion of the activating element to naturally drive the coupling parts into or out of engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is extracted and simplified to essentially the activating element itself. Rather than incorporating a separate complex release mechanism, the patent uses the activating element's rotation to directly control the engagement and disengagement of the coupling parts. This extraction of the release function to the activating element reduces overall mechanism complexity.
3Strength
If torque-transferring means require lateral space for release, then engagement strength is maintained, but the quick release unit becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The torque-transferring engaging means utilize the radial dimension rather than requiring lateral space. The ribs extend radially from the internal coupling part into the hollow of the external coupling part, providing strong torque transfer in the radial direction. This allows the coupling parts to be pressed together axially for engagement without requiring additional lateral or axial space for the release mechanism, maintaining both strength and compactness.
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
The solution provides a compact quick release unit that maintains functionality without increasing the overall length of the actuator, allowing for efficient manual adjustment of the activating element while ensuring re-coupling during spindle rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical spring arranged between a collar on the external and the internal coupling part
Implementation Method 2
Movement of the disc may be effected by an eccentric, which may merely be a thickened part on a shaft passed out to an operating handle
Data Source
AI summary
In an actuator, a quick release unit is introduced in a transmission between an activating element and a reversible electric motor for disengaging the activating element (5) from the electric motor and the part of the transmission (6) which is disposed from the motor to the quick release unit. This quick release unit comprises two cylindrical coupling parts (8, 9) provided with axially extending and mutually engaging torque-transferring means (21a, 21b), and where the two coupling parts (8, 9) are mutually axially displaceable and kept in engagement with each other by a spring (25). The two coupling parts may be displaced mutually against the spring (25) by a release mechanism, so that the torque-transferring connection (21a, 21b) between the two coupling parts (8, 9) is interrupted. The quick release unit may be made compact, and especially in connection with a worm wheel (6) with a cylindrical part on the side it may be substantially received in the cylindrical part.