Dual-Motor Linear Actuator Base Plate for Housing Load Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dual-motor electrical actuators face structural strength and cost issues due to the housing needing to withstand reaction forces and torques during actuation, often requiring reinforcement and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design where two motors are connected and fixed to a base plate, reducing the structural strength requirement for the housing by having the base plate absorb forces and torques, thereby decreasing the housing's load and extending the actuator's lifetime while lowering manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If motors are fixed to the housing, then the actuator can be compact, but the housing must withstand all reaction forces and torques requiring structural reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
A base plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the motors and the housing. The base plate serves as a force distribution element that absorbs and disperses reaction forces and torques generated during actuation, preventing these forces from being directly transmitted to the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing provides containment and guidance, the base plate handles force absorption and distribution, and the motors provide actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the base plate specifically designed to withstand mechanical loads.
2Strength
If the housing is made with structural reinforcement, then it can withstand reaction forces, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate acts as a mediator that protects the housing from direct exposure to high reaction forces and torques. By placing the force-bearing function in the base plate rather than the housing, the housing can be manufactured with simpler, less expensive materials and processes while still providing adequate structural support.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the housing withstands all reaction forces, then the actuator structure is simple, but the housing requires higher structural strength extending lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves as a protective intermediary that shields the housing from the most severe mechanical stresses. This force distribution approach reduces stress concentrations and fatigue loading on the housing, thereby extending the overall actuator lifetime without requiring the housing to be over-engineered for maximum strength.
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 design effectively reduces the structural strength requirement for the housing, extending the actuator's lifespan and lowering production costs by distributing the forces and torques to the base plate, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
One end of the screw rod is connected to and rotated by the transmission assembly; the other end of the screw rod is screwed to the supporting block. Thus, two supporting blocks are driven to move in the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes a housing (100), a base plate (200) disposed in the housing (100), and two actuating mechanisms (310, 320) disposed on the base plate (200) and received in the housing (100). Each actuating mechanism (310/320) comprises a motor (311/321), a transmission assembly (312/322), a screw rod (313/323), and a supporting block (314/324). Two motors (311, 321) and two transmission assemblies (312, 322) are disposed on the base plate (200). Two motors (311, 321) are kinetically connected to two assemblies (312, 322), respectively. One end of the screw rod (313/323) is connected to and rotated by the transmission assemblies (312/322). The other end of the screw rod (313/323) is screwed to the supporting block (314/324). Thus, two supporting blocks (314, 324) are driven to move in the housing (100).