Enclosed Pivot Unit With Adjustable Stops and Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot power work devices face limitations in adjustable range of motion and durability due to rigid designs and lack of efficient shock absorption mechanisms, which restrict their versatility and operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivot unit with a linear actuator, rod assembly, and shock absorbers, featuring a saddle with adjustable stop arms and serrated teeth, allowing for adjustable range of motion and improved durability through efficient load distribution and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid design is used for the pivot unit, then structural strength is maintained, but the adjustable range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot unit incorporates adjustable stop arms with serrated teeth that can be positioned at multiple discrete locations around the rotation axis, allowing the operational range of motion to be dynamically adjusted based on application requirements. This transforms a static rigid structure into a dynamically adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop arm is segmented with multiple serrated teeth positioned at different angular locations, allowing selective engagement at various positions. This segmentation enables the single stop arm component to provide multiple discrete range of motion settings without requiring multiple complete stop arm components.
2Reliability
If shock absorption mechanisms are added to the pivot unit, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Shock absorbers are pre-installed on the pivot unit to cushion impact loads before they reach critical components. This beforehand cushioning protects the linear actuator, rod assembly, and housing from damage during operation, extending the overall durability of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbers act as intermediary components between the external environment and the internal pivot unit components. They absorb and dissipate shock loads, preventing direct transmission of impact forces to the linear actuator and other sensitive components.
3Ease of operation
If stop arms with multiple teeth are used, then field adjustability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop arm incorporates multiple serrated teeth positioned at different angular locations, allowing field adjustability by selecting which tooth engages with the corresponding feature on the linear actuator. This segmentation provides multiple adjustable positions within a single manufactured component.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable range of motion is achieved by changing the engagement position between the stop arm teeth and the linear actuator features, rather than changing the physical dimensions or geometry of the components themselves. This parameter change approach simplifies manufacturing while enabling adjustment.
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 enhances the pivot unit's rotational range and durability by enabling easy field adjustments and distributing radial loads, thereby extending the device's operational life and reducing component fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a first shock absorber secured to a first side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the first stop arm; and a second shock absorber secured to a second side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the second stop arm
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot unit comprising a linear actuator; a rod assembly driven by the linear actuator; an output shaft driven by the rod assembly; a housing enclosing the rod assembly and a portion of the output shaft, and attached to the linear actuator; a saddle driven by the output shaft; a first stop arm operatively attached to the first arm and a first end of the output shaft; a second stop arm operatively attached to the second arm and a second end of the output shaft; a first shock absorber secured to a first side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the first stop arm; and a second shock absorber secured to a second side of the housing and constructed and arranged to accept a first end of the second stop arm.