Linear actuator and method for producing a linear actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators for height adjustment, such as those in tables, face challenges in simplified assembly due to difficult access with tools in tight spatial arrangements, leading to increased production costs and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A snap connection between the linear drive and telescopic housing components, facilitated by a special adapter part and connecting element with snap elements, allows for tool-free installation, ensuring a secure and reliable connection without requiring disassembly of the telescopic housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional tool-based connection methods are used for assembling linear drive and telescopic housing, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly complexity and production cost increase due to difficult tool access in tight spatial arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts requiring tools) with a snap connection system that uses elastic deformation of the connecting element to achieve secure attachment. The connecting element with snap elements engages with the adapter part through elastic bending, eliminating the need for complex tool-based assembly in tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The snap elements automatically engage with the adapter part when the linear drive is inserted into the telescopic housing, without requiring external tools or complex alignment procedures. The elastic deformation provides self-adjustment during the connection process.
2Productivity
If traditional fastening methods are used, then reliable connection is achieved, but production time and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is pre-formed with snap elements that are ready to engage with the adapter part. The elastic deformation capability is built into the design during manufacturing, so no additional assembly steps or tools are needed during production. The connection is established in a single insertion motion.
3Ease of operation
If accessible connection methods are used, then tool access is required, but the tight spatial arrangement of telescopic housing prevents easy tool access
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted from the traditional tool-based fastening system and implemented through the snap elements integrated into the connecting element. This allows the connection to be made from the inside of the telescopic housing without requiring external tool access, as the snap connection is formed by the insertion motion itself.
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 simplified and tool-free assembly of linear drives within telescopic housings, reducing production expenses and personnel requirements while ensuring a secure connection, allowing for easy maintenance and replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The snap elements are designed to allow passage of the connecting element through the central opening of the adapter part in one direction and to prevent it in the opposite direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A linear actuator comprising a spindle-based linear drive (1) having an inner threaded spindle (5) and an outer element (2) surrounding the threaded spindle (5), in which the threaded spindle (5) can be moved in the axial direction; and a telescopic housing (20) with a first telescope part (21) and a second telescope part (22), which is surrounded at least in part by the first telescope part (21). On its side facing the first telescope part (21), the second telescope part (22) has an adapter part (24) that is connected rotationally fixedly to the second telescope part (22) and has a central opening. The linear drive has a connecting element (30) that is mounted on the outer element (2) and comprises snap elements (31) that are engaged with the central opening of the adapter part (24) in such a manner that the connecting element (30) is held in the adapter part (24).