Linear Actuator Linkage for Smooth Motion and Automatic Reset
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuator arrangements for amusement activity stations lack efficient mechanisms to actuate and reset components, leading to suboptimal user experience and potential mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator arrangement comprising a linear actuator, an actuator anchor, and a movable member, which includes a main actuator body, a rod, a motor housing, a gear box, an anchor end, a displacement end, and a main actuator axis. The actuator is capable of transitioning between fully extended, partially extended, and fully retracted configurations, with the movable member linked to a reset mechanism to facilitate efficient actuation and resetting of the amusement activity station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a linear actuator arrangement is used to actuate amusement activity station components, then the actuation efficiency and user experience are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator is divided into distinct functional segments: a motor housing containing the power source, a gear box for mechanical advantage, a rod with anchor end and displacement end, allowing each component to be optimized independently while working together for efficient actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator arrangement serves multiple functions: it actuates movable members along arcuate paths, enables reset mechanisms through full retraction, and provides controlled motion through oblique angular changes, making it a multi-functional component that improves productivity without requiring separate mechanisms for each function
2Ease of operation
If the linear actuator transitions through arcuate motion paths with varying oblique angles, then the actuation smoothness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement end is designed to follow an arcuate path rather than a linear path, with the rod changing oblique angles relative to the reference plane during operation. This curved motion geometry smooths the actuation by distributing mechanical stress more evenly and eliminating abrupt directional changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system intentionally varies the oblique angle parameter throughout the actuation cycle, transitioning from a first oblique angle in the fully extended configuration to a second greater oblique angle in the fully retracted configuration. This dynamic parameter change optimizes the mechanical advantage and motion smoothness at different positions in the actuator's range of motion
3Reliability
If the linear actuator includes a reset mechanism linkage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism linkage is designed to automatically return the movable member to its initial position when the linear actuator reaches its fully retracted configuration. This preliminary action ensures the system is always ready for the next operation cycle, preventing mechanical failures by resetting components before they are needed again
Solution Approach 2:
The reset functionality is merged with the primary actuation mechanism by using the same linear actuator's full retraction stroke to trigger the reset linkage. This integration eliminates the need for a separate reset actuator, improving reliability through automatic resetting while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 linear actuator arrangement enables smooth and efficient actuation of amusement activity station components, ensuring optimal user experience while providing a reliable reset mechanism to prevent mechanical failures.
Implementation Method 1
a gear box attached to the motor housing and the main actuator body
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator arrangement for an amusement activity station includes a linear actuator, an actuator anchor, and a movable member. The linear actuator has an anchor end, a displacement end, and a main actuator axis extending therethrough. The actuator anchor is attached to the anchor end thereby fixing a first axis of rotation extending through the anchor end orthogonal to the main actuator axis in parallel relation to a reference plane. The movable member has a main member axis extending parallel to the reference plane. The displacement end is coupled to the movable member for directing the movable member along a movable member path intermediate fully extended and fully retracted configurations. The displacement end has a second axis of rotation extending orthogonally relative to the main actuator axis in parallel relation to the reference plane and is translatable along the movable member path.