Electric–Pneumatic Actuator Assembly for Heavy Repetitive Lifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric linear actuators lack the durability and power to handle loads that exceed their rated capacity, and they require excessive energy for repetitive lifting and lowering operations, limiting their application in heavy machinery.
Innovation Solution
A combination of an electric actuator and a pneumatic assist actuator is used to enhance the lifting and lowering capabilities of electric actuators, allowing them to handle heavier loads by leveraging the pneumatic assist to reduce the energy required for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electric linear actuator is used to handle heavy loads, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an electric linear actuator with a pneumatic assist actuator in a hybrid system. The electric actuator provides controlled movement and positioning, while the pneumatic actuator assists with high-force lifting operations. This merging allows the system to handle heavy loads with reduced energy consumption from the electric component, as the pneumatic system supplements the force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic assist actuator that uses compressed gas to provide auxiliary lifting force. The pneumatic system operates independently but works in coordination with the electric actuator, providing bursts of high force during lifting operations while consuming minimal energy from the electric power source.
2Productivity
If an electric linear actuator operates continuously for repetitive lifting and lowering, then the productivity is improved, but the durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system merges an electric actuator designed for controlled operation with a pneumatic actuator designed for high-force repetitive operations. The pneumatic component handles the strenuous lifting portions of repetitive cycles, while the electric component manages positioning and lighter operations, thereby extending the overall system durability through workload distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between electric and pneumatic assistance based on the operational requirements of each lifting cycle. During high-force lifting phases, the pneumatic actuator activates to reduce the mechanical stress on the electric actuator, while during positioning phases, the electric actuator takes over. This dynamic coordination enables continuous repetitive operation without compromising the durability of either component.
3Force
If a hydraulic system is used to provide high force for lifting, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic system with a pneumatic assist actuator that uses compressed gas instead of liquid hydraulic fluid. The pneumatic system achieves high force generation through simple pressure differentials and gas storage, eliminating the need for complex pumps, valves, and fluid reservoirs while maintaining the ability to provide high lifting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex hydraulic subsystem (pump, fluid reservoir, valves, hoses) from the system and replaces it with a self-contained pneumatic assist actuator. The pneumatic system achieves high force generation through simple pressure differentials and gas storage, eliminating the need for complex pumps, valves, and fluid reservoirs while maintaining the ability to provide high lifting capacity.
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 combination enables electric actuators to manage loads beyond their typical capacity while reducing energy consumption, extending their lifespan and maintaining a compact, leak-free, and efficient system.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic assist actuator... leveraging the pneumatic assist to reduce the energy required for operation
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting and/or lowering and/or compaction device provides repetitive actions. The lifting and/or lowering device includes: a tower assembly and a boom assembly extending from the tower assembly and configured to rotate relative to the tower assembly; an electric actuator assembly comprising an electric actuator housing body and an extension rod extending from the actuator housing body and configured to extend and retract from the actuator housing body, wherein the electric actuator assembly attaches to the tower assembly and the boom assembly to provide the rotation of the boom assembly relative to the tower assembly; and a pneumatic actuator assembly comprising a pneumatic actuator and a rod extending from the pneumatic actuator and configured to extend and retract from the pneumatic actuator, wherein the pneumatic actuator assembly attaches to the tower assembly and the boom assembly to provide rotation of the boom assembly relative to the tower assembly. The compaction device can include a moveable platform instead of a boom assembly, and the compaction device can lower or raise the moveable platform along an axis extending between a first location and a second location. A method of lifting and/or lowering and/or compacting includes actuating the electric actuator assembly and the pneumatic actuator assembly.