Eccentric Linear Actuator Mounting for Tolerance Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching linear actuating elements to higher-level structures, such as tipper vehicles, fail to account for manufacturing and assembly tolerances, leading to potential deformation or damage when trying to compensate for residual stroke, and do not allow for easy adjustment in case of wear.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable attachment arrangement using a linear actuating element with a housing and push rod, combined with eccentric elements and wall elements featuring circular openings and projections, allowing for angular adjustment and secure fastening to compensate for tolerances and accommodate wear, preventing deformation and enabling easy repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the linear actuating element is mounted at fixed locations on the superordinate structure, then the mounting position is stable and secure, but it is impossible to compensate for manufacturing and assembly tolerances or readjust for wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting arrangement transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The linear actuating element is mounted on the eccentric element, which can be rotated to different angular positions around the circular opening of the wall element. This allows the mounting position to be adjusted along the displacement direction of the push rod element, enabling compensation for tolerances and wear while maintaining secure fastening at each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting position parameter is made variable through the eccentric element mechanism. By changing the angular position parameter of the eccentric element (rotating it to different orientations), the effective mounting position of the linear actuating element changes along the displacement direction. This parameter change enables tolerance compensation and readjustment without requiring different mounting locations on the superordinate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If residual stroke is provided to compensate for tolerances, then manufacturing and assembly tolerances are covered, but the side wall and corner stanchion may be deformed or damaged when the press is fully extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoiddeformation or damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tolerance compensation is performed preliminarily during the mounting phase rather than requiring residual stroke during operation. The eccentric element is positioned at a specific angular orientation that pre-compensates for tolerances, allowing the linear actuating element to be mounted in an optimal position. This preliminary action eliminates the need for residual stroke, preventing deformation or damage to the side wall and corner stanchion when fully extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the linear actuating element is mounted in a fixed position, then the structure is simple and robust, but readjustment in the event of wear is not possible at reasonable cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidreadjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the wall element with circular opening, the eccentric element with body section, and the linear actuating element with cylindrical projection. This segmentation allows the eccentric element to serve as an independent adjustment mechanism that can be rotated to different positions without affecting the overall structural integrity. The simple robust structure is maintained while enabling easy readjustment by rotating the eccentric element and re-fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution ensures optimal positioning of the actuating element without residual stroke, preventing deformation of the side wall and corner stanchions, and allows for easy adjustment to maintain functionality over time.

Implementation Method 1

at least one eccentric element with a circular-cylindrical body section and a cylinder axis, wherein the circumference of the body section is adapted to the circular opening of the at least one wall element and a receiving opening for the at least one circular-cylindrical projection of the housing of the actuating element is provided eccentrically to the cylinder axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4148219B1Arrangement for adjustably attaching a linear actuating element to a higher-level structure
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 FRANZ XAVER MEILLER FAHRZEUG UND MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4148219B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4148219B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b

AI summary

The present invention relates to an arrangement (10) for the adjustable mounting of a linear actuating element (12) on a superior structure, comprising the linear actuating element (12) having a housing (12c) and a push rod element (12a) projecting from the housing (12c) and displaceable relative to the housing (12c) in a displacement direction (R), wherein the housing (12c) has at least one circular cylindrical projection (12b) which projects outwards in a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction (R) of the push rod element (12a), and at least one wall element (14a, 14b) associated with the superior structure, which has a circular opening (16) and at least one mounting point (28);and at least one eccentric element (18) with a circular cylindrical body section (20) with a cylindrical axis (Z), wherein the circumference of the body section (20) is adapted to the circular opening (16) of the at least one wall element (14a, 14b) and an opening (22) for the at least one circular cylindrical projection (12b) of the housing (12c) of the actuating element (12) is provided eccentrically to the cylindrical axis (Z), wherein the eccentric element (18) further comprises a fastening section (26) which is configured to enable its fastening in a plurality of angular positions to the at least one mounting point (28) of the at least one wall element (14a, 14b) by means of at least one fastening element (24).