Dual-Control Actuator for Fail-Safe Smoke Extraction Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators in smoke extraction devices are either pneumatically or electrically controlled, lacking versatility and operational reliability, particularly in case of control means malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode actuator integrating both pneumatic and electrical actuation means, allowing independent or simultaneous operation, with a sealed translation chamber, an electromagnet, and an elastic return element for secure and reliable triggering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single control type (pneumatic or electrical) is used in the actuator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the actuator remains inoperative in case of control means malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both pneumatic and electrical actuation systems within a single actuator housing. The pneumatic piston and electrical motor are integrated into the same translation chamber, with both systems capable of driving the trigger independently. This merging of two different actuation principles allows the actuator to maintain operational reliability through redundancy while managing complexity through shared structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating dual actuation capabilities. The same trigger mechanism and translation chamber can be actuated by either pneumatic pressure or electrical motor rotation, making the system versatile and adaptable to different operational requirements while maintaining a unified structural design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual pneumatic and electrical actuation means are integrated in the actuator, then the versatility and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pneumatic and electrical actuation systems within a single integrated structure. The translation chamber serves as a common space for both the pneumatic piston and electrical motor, with both systems driving the same trigger mechanism. This merging approach enables dual functionality while managing complexity through shared structural components rather than separate independent systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator uses a compact configuration with integrated components, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to the complex assembly of multiple elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the electrical motor is positioned within the translation chamber alongside the pneumatic piston. The trigger mechanism is nested within the same chamber, with all components arranged concentrically or in layered fashion to minimize overall volume. This nesting approach achieves compactness while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized component arrangements.
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 dual-mode actuator provides versatility and operational reliability by enabling operation in different modes and offering secondary actuation in case of primary failure, ensuring consistent performance in smoke extraction devices.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet configured to be electrically controlled by means for controlling the electromagnet, the electromagnet being arranged between the first element and the second element
Implementation Method 2
an elastic return element arranged in the translation chamber for, in the deactivated position of the electromagnet, moving the second element to place the trigger in its trigger position
Implementation Method 3
the actuator also being configured to be pneumatically controlled by pneumatic control means to create an overpressure in the sealed space to move the first element, then step by step the electromagnet, the second element and the trigger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (1) comprising a translation chamber (3), a trigger (15), the actuator comprising a first element (22) and a second element (35), an electromagnet (31) electrically controlled by electromagnet control means (13), disposed between the two elements (22, 35), an elastic return element (39) disposed in the translation chamber (3) to, in the deactivated position of the electromagnet (31), move the second element (35) to place the trigger (15) in its triggering position, an overpressure being created by pneumatic control means to move the first element (22), in order to place the trigger (15) in its triggering position independently of the state of the electromagnet (31), and a stop (7) in the translation chamber (3) to limit the stroke of the trigger (15) in the translation chamber (3).