Electric Actuator Mounting for Construction Arm Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transition from hydraulic to electric actuators in construction equipment poses challenges due to the sensitivity of electric actuators to mechanical stress, efforts, deformation, and shocks, leading to potential deformation and increased weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an electric actuator system with a support member that includes end fittings allowing the second element (e.g., excavator arm) to freely expand or contract along the longitudinal axis, preventing stress transmission to the support member and enabling deformation without deforming the support member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the framework is reinforced to avoid deformation of the support member, then the reliability of the electric actuator is improved, but the weight of the construction equipment increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of electric actuatorVSAvoidweight of construction equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The first end fitting acts as an intermediary element between the support member and the second element. It provides a sliding connection that allows the second element to move freely along the longitudinal axis, absorbing mechanical stresses and deformations without transmitting them to the support member. This mediator structure protects the electric actuator components from stress while avoiding the need to reinforce the entire framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the support member (rigid, housing sensitive components), the first end fitting (sliding connection for stress absorption), and the second element (movable component). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the support member remains lightweight while the first end fitting handles stress absorption through its sliding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the framework is reinforced to prevent deformation, then the strength of the support member is improved, but the cost of the construction equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of support memberVSAvoidcost of construction equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first end fitting serves as a cost-effective intermediary that provides the necessary stress absorption and deformation tolerance. Instead of manufacturing an expensive, heavily reinforced support member, the solution uses a simpler sliding connection mechanism that achieves the same protective function at lower manufacturing cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection parameters are changed from rigid fixed connections to sliding connections with degrees of freedom. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate deformations and stresses through movement rather than requiring increased structural strength, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connection is used between the support member and the second element, then the stability of the actuator is improved, but the electric actuator becomes sensitive to mechanical stress and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of actuatorVSAvoidsensitivity to mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the support member and second element is made dynamic through the sliding mechanism in the first end fitting. Instead of a static rigid connection, the system allows controlled movement along the longitudinal axis, enabling the structure to adapt to mechanical stresses and deformations dynamically while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection parameters are changed from fixed rigid constraints to sliding constraints with one degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis. This parameter change allows the system to maintain stability for lateral movements while accommodating axial deformations, reducing sensitivity to mechanical stress without compromising overall stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250189019A1Construction equipment comprising at least one electric actuator

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB

AI summary

This construction equipment includes at least one electric actuator to generate a relative movement between a first element and a second element of the construction equipment, including at least an electric motor for driving a carriage in translation according to a longitudinal axis, a connecting rod that is articulated at one end on the carriage and that is articulated on the other end to the first element, a guiding system for guiding the carriage in translation parallel to the longitudinal axis and a support member to which is fixed the guiding system. Two end fittings are provided respectively at the two longitudinal ends of the support member and connect the support member to the second element: A first end fitting is configured so that said second element can freely expand or contract along the longitudinal axis relative to the support member, and inversely.