Integrated Electric Actuator for Combined Linear and Rotary Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators lack the capability to efficiently combine linear and rotary displacement, which is essential for advanced testing machines and devices requiring both types of motion.
Innovation Solution
The electric actuator assembly integrates a movable armature assembly with both linear and rotary motion components, utilizing magnetic field generating assemblies with windings or permanent magnets, and bearings such as thrust, angular contact, and tapered bearings to support and guide the motion, along with a winding controller to manage the magnetic fields for precise displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing actuators are used, then simple linear or rotary motion is provided, but the capability to combine linear and rotary displacement is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines linear and rotary motion capabilities into a single actuator assembly by integrating a linear motor (with stator and armature) and a rotary motor (with stator and armature) that share common structural elements. The linear armature and rotary armature are coupled to a shared shaft, allowing simultaneous generation of linear displacement and rotary displacement from one integrated device rather than separate actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is designed as a multi-functional device where the same structural components serve dual purposes. The shared shaft between linear and rotary armatures, the integrated stator assemblies, and the common control system enable the device to perform both linear positioning and rotary positioning functions, making it universally applicable for applications requiring combined motion types.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field generating assemblies with windings or magnets are used, then precise magnetic field control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different magnetic field generation methods in different locations within the actuator. The linear motor uses one configuration of windings or magnets while the rotary motor uses another configuration, optimized for their specific motion requirements. This allows precise magnetic field control tailored to each motion type while managing manufacturing complexity through localized optimization rather than uniform design throughout.
3Reliability
If multiple bearing types (thrust, angular contact, tapered) are integrated, then support for both linear and rotary motion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator integrates multiple bearing types (thrust bearings, angular contact bearings, and tapered bearings) into a unified support system that simultaneously handles both linear and rotary motion loads. These bearings are strategically positioned to support the shared shaft and armature assemblies, providing comprehensive motion support within a single integrated bearing arrangement rather than separate bearing systems for each motion type.
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
The assembly achieves seamless integration of linear and rotary motions, providing precise control and efficient load application, suitable for testing machines and devices, while minimizing costs through optimized magnetic field configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first armature magnetic field generating assembly configured to provide magnetic fields operative with a first stator magnetic field generating assembly to provide linear motion of the movable armature assembly along a reference axis
Implementation Method 2
a second armature magnetic field generating assembly configured to provide magnetic fields operative with a second stator magnetic field generating assembly to provide rotary motion of the movable armature assembly about the reference axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electric actuator assembly (20) having a support housing (28, 124), a first stator magnetic field generating assembly (26) secured to the support housing (28, 124) and a movable armature assembly (22). The movable armature assembly (22) includes a plate assembly having a center support (150). The electric actuator assembly also includes a first armature magnetic field generating assembly configured to provide magnetic fields operative with a first stator magnetic field generating assembly to provide linear motion of the movable armature assembly (22) along a reference axis, the first armature magnetic field generating assembly including first and second magnetic assemblies secured to opposite sides of the center support. In another embodiment, the electric linear actuator (20) includes a rotational component (27) coupled to a linear component (25) to move therewith. The rotational component (27) includes an armature magnetic field generating assembly being one of longer or shorter than a stator magnetic field generating assembly.