Linear Actuator Reinforcing Seat for Axial Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear actuators face increased weight and cost due to the need for thick cases to withstand axial forces generated by threaded shaft rotation, which results in excessive pressure on the case.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcing seat connected to a main gear and threaded shaft within the case, which distributes the axial force and reduces pressure on the case, allowing for a thinner wall design that reduces weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the case thickness is increased to withstand axial forces, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into two functional zones: a thick-walled first receiving space for the driving module that generates axial forces, and a thin-walled second receiving space for the main gear that does not generate axial forces. This segmentation allows each part of the case to have the minimum necessary thickness for its specific function, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The case wall thickness is optimized locally rather than uniformly: the first receiving space has a greater thickness to withstand axial forces from the driving module, while the second receiving space has a smaller thickness since it only needs to contain the main gear. This local quality approach ensures strength is provided only where necessary, reducing unnecessary weight.
2Strength
If the case thickness is increased to withstand axial forces, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into regions with different thickness requirements, allowing manufacturing resources to be concentrated on the thick-walled first receiving space only where axial forces are generated. The thin-walled second receiving space requires less material and manufacturing effort, reducing overall production cost while maintaining necessary strength.
Solution Approach 2:
By providing enhanced thickness only in the first receiving space where axial forces are generated, the design avoids the unnecessary cost of thickening the entire case. The local quality approach ensures manufacturing cost is optimized by matching material usage to actual structural requirements.
3Weight of stationary object
If the case thickness is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight and cost are reduced, but the strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into a thick-walled first receiving space for the driving module and a thin-walled second receiving space for the main gear. This segmentation ensures that the case maintains sufficient strength in the critical area where axial forces are generated, while reducing weight in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The case wall thickness is locally optimized to provide maximum strength only where axial forces are generated (first receiving space), while using thinner walls in areas (second receiving space) that do not require high strength. This local quality approach achieves weight reduction without compromising overall reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes a case, a driving module, a main gear, a reinforcing seat, and a threaded shaft. The case includes a first receiving space, a second receiving space, and a bore. The driving module is disposed within the first receiving space. The main gear is disposed within the second receiving space and linked with the driving module. The reinforcing seat is disposed within the second receiving space and connected to the main gear. The reinforcing seat includes a reinforcing seat body, and a reinforcing seat flange connected to the reinforcing seat body and engaged with the annular groove. One end of the threaded shaft passes through the bore and the main gear to be restricted by the reinforcing seat, and the threaded shaft is linked with the main gear.