Floating Actuator Force Balancing for Reaction-Free Mechanical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices require high tensile or compressive forces, leading to massive and costly bearing structures that are not economically viable.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with a floating actuator connecting a tensile element and a compressive element, allowing for the generation of opposing forces without external reaction forces, using pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, or electromechanical actuation principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high tensile or compressive forces are used to actuate the mechanical device, then the actuation function is achieved, but the bearing structure becomes massive and economically unviable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a compressive element that generates an opposing compressive force to balance the tensile force generated by the tensile element. This force balancing approach eliminates the need for massive bearing structures to support reaction forces, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient actuation force and maintaining an economically viable bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating actuator serves as an intermediary element that connects the tensile element and the compressive element. It coordinates the action of both elements to generate opposing forces simultaneously, enabling the force balancing mechanism to function effectively without requiring a fixed reference structure that would generate reaction forces.
2Ease of operation
If a bearing supports high reaction forces from actuation, then the mechanical device can be moved, but the bearing cannot always be implemented with acceptable technical and economic effort
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing force balancing through the opposing tensile and compressive elements, the bearing structure only needs to support minimal or no external reaction forces. This dramatically simplifies the bearing design, making it technically feasible and economically viable while maintaining full actuation capability.
3Force
If the actuator is fixed to generate opposing forces, then force generation is possible, but external reaction forces are introduced into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The floating actuator acts as an unattached intermediary that coordinates the tensile and compressive elements without being fixed to any external structure. This allows the generation of opposing forces while eliminating the introduction of external reaction forces into the system, as the actuator floats freely between the two elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating system is segmented into three independent components: the tensile element, the floating actuator, and the compressive element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without creating unwanted interactions or reaction forces with external structures.
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
Enables actuation of mechanical devices with minimal external reaction forces, simplifying the design and reducing the need for supporting structures, particularly suitable for machining systems and workpiece clamping.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator may be designed to generate a linear motion. This has proven advantageous because the actuator simultaneously generates a tensile force and a compressive force
Implementation Method 2
In a pneumatically or hydraulically operated actuator, at least one working cylinder and at least one hydraulically or pneumatically displaceable working piston can be provided to generate a relative movement acting on the at least one tension member and the at least one compression member
Implementation Method 3
the actuator could be designed magnetically, for example in the form of an electromagnet
Implementation Method 4
electromechanically, for example in the form of a spindle drive
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating device (49) for actuating a mechanical device (100), by means of which the actuating is to be carried out completely or at least approximately without external reaction forces. For this purpose, the actuating device (49) is provided for introducing a tensile force (53) and an opposing compressive force (54) into the device (100), with at least one tensile element (51) for transmitting the tensile force (53) to the device (100) and at least one compressive element (52) for transmitting the compressive force (54) to the device (100), wherein the at least one tensile element (51) and the at least one compressive element (52) are operatively connected to generate a relative movement (62) via an actuator (50) floating between them.