Dual-Thread Linear Actuator for Long-Stroke Telescopic Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current linear actuators for height adjustable columns are complex and costly to manufacture, requiring multiple parts and intricate arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring a threaded spindle with both right-hand and left-hand threads, paired with two nut members that move in opposite directions when the spindle is rotated, simplifying the construction and reducing the number of parts needed, allowing for simultaneous movement of three tubes relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional linear actuator design with multiple shafts and threaded connections is used, then the linear movement function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple threaded shafts into a single spindle with both right-hand and left-hand threads. This single spindle integrates the functions of what would traditionally require multiple separate shafts, reducing device complexity while maintaining the linear movement function through the dual-thread design that enables synchronized opposite-direction movement of nut members
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both right-hand and left-hand threaded connections, enables linear movement of multiple nut members in opposite directions, and achieves the telescopic extension and retraction function all through a single rotating component, thereby reducing the overall number of parts needed
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate shafts are used to achieve linear movement, then the movement function is provided, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate shafts into one integrated spindle component with dual threading. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, directly lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining the necessary functional complexity through the dual-thread design
3Ease of manufacture
If a simpler actuator design is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the stroke length may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested telescopic arrangement where multiple tube members are inserted within each other, with the first tube member containing the second, which contains the third. This nesting enables extended stroke length while keeping the retracted profile compact and maintaining construction simplicity through the nested geometry
4Adaptability or versatility
If three tubes are arranged telescopically, then the height adjustment function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single dual-threaded spindle provides the universal driving mechanism for all three telescopic tube members. By rotating this one spindle, all three tubes can extend and retract in a coordinated manner, achieving height adjustment functionality while keeping the control mechanism simple and unified rather than requiring separate actuators for each tube section
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 provides a cost-effective and simpler construction with a larger stroke length, enabling efficient telescopic movement in height adjustable furniture while maintaining structural integrity under varying loads.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded spindle with a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis, the spindle having a right hand thread and a left hand thread... The first and the second nut members are in threaded connection with the spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator (1), comprising a threaded spindle (10) with a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis (X), the spindle (10) having a right hand thread (11) and a left hand thread (12), both threads provided over a common longitudinal length of the spindle, the spindle (10) being adapted to be rotated by a driving device (60). The linear actuator further comprises a first nut member (20) provided with a right hand thread (21) and a second nut member (30) provided with a left hand thread (31). The first and the second nut members (20, 30) are in threaded connection with the spindle (10) in such a way that rotation of the spindle provides opposite linear movement of the nut members (20, 30) relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (X). Thereby, a linear actuator is provided with three parts that all move linearly relative to each other during rotation of the spindle.