Eccentric Piston Actuator for Compact Linear Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuators that convert rotational to linear force require a complex rotation restriction mechanism, leading to increased size, weight, and space constraints, necessitating a simpler and more compact solution.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a piston with an eccentric axis within a tubular case, where the piston slides axially and restricts rotation of the nut and screw portions, eliminating the need for a separate rotation restriction mechanism by integrating the piston sliding portion as a bush with an eccentric central position, allowing for a more compact and lightweight structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotation restriction mechanism is built into the actuator to restrict rotation of the linearly displaced element, then the rotation can be controlled, but the actuator becomes larger and the structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restriction function is merged with the piston structure itself. The piston includes a rotation restriction portion that directly restricts rotation of the linearly displaced element, eliminating the need for a separate rotation restriction mechanism. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the rotation control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston serves multiple functions: it converts rotational motion to linear motion through the ball screw mechanism, restricts rotation of the linearly displaced element through its rotation restriction portion, and guides the linear motion. By making the piston multi-functional, the actuator structure is simplified without compromising rotation control.
2Reliability
If a rotation restriction mechanism is built into the actuator to restrict rotation of the linearly displaced element, then the rotation can be controlled, but the actuator weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restriction function is combined with the piston structure, eliminating the need for additional components. This integration reduces the overall weight of the actuator while maintaining effective rotation control of the linearly displaced element.
3Reliability
If a rotation restriction mechanism is built into the actuator to restrict rotation of the linearly displaced element, then the rotation can be controlled, but the installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restriction portion is integrated into the piston structure, eliminating the need for separate rotation restriction components. This integration reduces the overall volume of the actuator, making it more compact and easier to install in space-constrained environments while maintaining rotation control functionality.
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 configuration simplifies the actuator mechanism, reduces weight, and enhances installation space efficiency while preventing foreign matter entry and jamming, resulting in a more compact and efficient actuator.
Implementation Method 1
an axis of the piston and a central position of the inner circumference of the piston sliding portion are set to be eccentric with respect to an axis of the screw portion and an axis of the nut portion
Data Source
AI summary
A linear drive portion is fixed to a piston. A nut portion and a screw portion relatively rotate, and a direction of action of driving force is converted between a rotational direction and a linear direction. The piston is installed within a case. The inner circumference of a piston sliding portion fixed within the case slidably supports the outer circumference of the piston. The nut portion is displaced with the piston, and the screw portion rotates in conjunction with a rotational drive portion. The piston is installed so as to be able to slide in the axial direction of the case with respect to the piston sliding portion. The axis of the piston and the central position of the inner circumference of the piston sliding portion are set to be eccentric with respect to the axis of the screw portion and the nut portion.