Integrated Electric Actuator Structure for Robust Construction Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators for construction equipment face challenges in handling large forces during operations like digging or dumping, leading to potential deformation, wear, or breakage, without effective solutions similar to hydraulic cylinders.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electric actuators within the construction equipment, where the electric motor, rod, and sliding member are housed inside a second element of the equipment, providing protection and guiding means to enhance robustness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If electric cylinders are used to replace hydraulic cylinders, then the equipment can be fully electrified and quieter operation is achieved, but the cylinders become fragile and exposed to potential external shocks and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is housed inside the cylinder rod, creating a nested structure where the motor (outer element) contains the rod (inner element). This nesting protects the fragile rod from external shocks while maintaining the electric actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor and cylinder rod are merged into a single integrated actuator unit. The motor drives a threaded hub that engages inside the cylinder rod, combining the functions of motor housing and cylinder protection into one robust structure.
2Reliability
If electric actuators are integrated inside the equipment elements, then protection and guiding means are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second element structure serves multiple functions: it houses the electric motor, provides guiding means for the rod movement, and offers protection against external shocks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is divided into functional segments (motor housing, rod, sliding member, guiding means) that are integrated into the equipment elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
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 solution provides a robust, durable, and efficient fully electrically driven construction equipment, capable of handling operational forces while ensuring energy recovery through regenerative braking.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (16), for converting electrical power into a movement of the sliding element (14) along the longitudinal axis (X12)
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor that moves a push rod back and forth using a screw/nut combination
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a construction equipment (2), comprising at least one electric actuator (10.1, 10.2, 10.3; 10) including a rod (12), extending along a longitudinal axis (X12), a sliding member (14), movable along the rod (12), an electric motor (16), for converting electrical power into a movement of the sliding member (14) along the longitudinal axis (X12), a connecting rod (18), comprising a first end (18A) which is articulated on sliding member (14) and a second end (18B) which is articulated on a first element of the construction equipment, in order to move the first element relative to a second element (80; 82; 85) or inversely and guiding means for guiding the movement of the sliding member (14) along the longitudinal axis (X12). At least the electric motor (16), the rod (12) and the sliding member (14) are integrated into said second element (80; 82; 85) of the construction equipment.