Electric Actuator Mounting for Construction Arm Deformation Relief
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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, deformation, and shocks, which can lead to increased weight and cost when reinforcing the framework to prevent deformation.
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 relative to the support member, thereby preventing stress transmission and deformation of the support member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the framework is reinforced to avoid deformation in working conditions, then the reliability of the electric actuator is improved, but the weight of the moving parts increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is segmented into multiple functional zones: a rigid portion containing the electric actuator and guiding system, and a flexible portion that can deform to absorb mechanical stress. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain rigidity where needed while providing flexibility to protect sensitive components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion of the support member acts as an intermediary element between the rigid actuator system and the external mechanical environment. It mediates the transmission of forces by deforming under load, thereby protecting the electric actuator from direct mechanical stress without requiring a fully reinforced framework, thus avoiding excessive weight increase.
2Reliability
If the framework is reinforced to avoid deformation, then the protection of sensitive components is improved, but the cost of the machine increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into rigid and flexible portions, allowing selective reinforcement only where necessary for actuator protection. This segmented approach reduces material consumption and manufacturing complexity compared to a fully reinforced framework, thereby lowering costs while maintaining component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member utilizes changes in material properties or structural parameters along its length - being rigid in the actuator housing region and flexible in the load-bearing region. This parameter variation allows the structure to achieve protection functionality with optimized material usage, reducing manufacturing costs compared to uniform reinforcement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between the support member and the second element, then the structural stability is improved, but the stress transmission to the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a rigid support member for structural stability and a flexible portion that decouples stress transmission. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain positional stability while protecting the actuator from axial and radial loads through controlled deformation of the flexible section.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion of the support member functions as a compliant element that can deform under mechanical load. This flexibility allows the structure to maintain stability while absorbing stress, preventing direct stress transmission to the electric actuator through what would otherwise be a rigid connection path.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This construction equipment (2) comprises at least one electric actuator (10, 10', 10") to generate a relative movement between a first element and a second element of the construction equipment, including at least an electric motor (12) for driving a carriage (14) in translation according to a longitudinal axis (X), a connecting rod (18) that is articulated at one end on the carriage and that is articulated on the other end to the first element (4, 82, 83), a guiding system for guiding the carriage in translation parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) and a support member (20) to which is fixed the guiding system. Two end fittings (22, 24) are provided respectively at the two longitudinal ends of the support member (20) and connect the support member to the second element (80, 82): A first end fitting (22) is configured so that said second element (80, 82) can freely expand or contract along the longitudinal axis (X) relative to the support member (20), and inversely.