Compact Servo Cylinder Using Internal Reducer Ball-Screw Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing servo cylinder designs with external ball-screw coupling structures result in increased total length and complexity, making them difficult to apply in compact industrial automation systems due to interference with peripheral structures and the need for complex support mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an internal ball-screw coupling structure where one end of the ball screw is coupled to a reducer inside the reducer, simplifying the structure and reducing the total length of the servo cylinder, using a division-type speed reduction output part with dual internal reduction modules for stable support and reduced length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If an external ball-screw coupling structure is used to connect the ball screw to the reducer, then the connection is achieved, but the total length of the servo cylinder increases and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal length of servo cylinderVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ball screw end portion is coupled inside the reducer main body to the speed reduction output part, nesting the ball screw connection within the reducer structure. This eliminates the need for external coupling components and reduces the overall length of the servo cylinder while simplifying the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling between the ball screw and reducer is merged into a single integrated structure where the ball screw end portion is directly coupled to the speed reduction output part inside the reducer. This combines what were previously separate external components into one unified internal arrangement, reducing both length and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If an external coupling structure is used, then the ball screw can be connected to the reducer, but additional support mechanisms and locking components are required increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure merges the ball screw end portion directly with the speed reduction output part inside the reducer, eliminating the need for separate coupling components, support blocks, and locking mechanisms. This integrated approach maintains connection stability while reducing the total number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex external coupling structure with multiple support and locking components is extracted and replaced by a simplified internal coupling arrangement where the ball screw end portion is directly coupled to the speed reduction output part, removing unnecessary components while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Length of stationary object

If the servo cylinder length is increased to accommodate external coupling, then connection is achieved, but interference with peripheral structures occurs in compact applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservo cylinder lengthVSAvoidapplicability in compact systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By nesting the ball screw coupling inside the reducer main body, the overall length of the servo cylinder is reduced. This compact configuration enables the servo cylinder to be applied in space-constrained environments and compact industrial automation systems without interference with peripheral structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling arrangement transitions from an external linear extension to an internal three-dimensional integration within the reducer housing. This spatial reorganization allows the same functional connection to be achieved in a more compact footprint, improving adaptability to compact system designs.

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

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 approach reduces the total length of the servo cylinder while simplifying the structure, enabling more compact and stable equipment with reduced interference, facilitating precise position control and linear motion in industrial automation systems.

Implementation Method 1

a ball screw (130) connected to the speed reduction output part (120) and rotated by the same, and a motion conversion output part (150) converting and outputting a rotational motion of the ball screw (130) to a linear motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

ball screw mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP3611402B1Servo cylinder
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 SEJIN IGB CO LTD
  • EP3611402B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3611402B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3611402B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a servo cylinder. The servo cylinder includes a reducer comprising a reducer main body connected to a motor and a speed reduction output part provided in the reducer main body, the speed reduction output part outputting power from the motor by reducing a rotation speed and increasing torque; a ball screw coupled to the speed reduction output part inside the reducer when one end portion region of the ball screw is inserted into the reducer, the ball screw performing a rotational motion by the speed reduction output part; and a motion conversion output part connected to the ball screw and converting the rotational motion of the ball screw to a linear motion and outputting a converted motion.