Linear Actuator Clutch Structure for Smooth Axial Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators with clutches experience unsmooth operation and potential damage due to axial forces transmitted to the clutch components, leading to poor user experience and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The linear actuator incorporates an axial limiting sleeve outside the rotating screw, which transfers axial forces to the housing instead of the clutch components, combined with a self-locking device using friction sleeves and bearings to minimize axial forces on the clutch mechanism, ensuring smooth operation and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If axial force is transmitted to the coupling gear sleeve of the clutch means, then the clutch can be actuated, but the operation becomes unsmooth and the clutch means is easily damaged after long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the axial force transmission path into separate segments: the axial limiting sleeve handles axial forces from the rotating screw, while the coupling gear sleeve handles only rotational torque. This segmentation prevents axial forces from being transmitted to the coupling gear sleeve, resolving the contradiction between operational smoothness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial limiting sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the rotating screw and the coupling gear sleeve. It intercepts and redirects axial forces to the housing before they can reach the coupling gear sleeve, thereby protecting the clutch mechanism and ensuring smooth operation throughout its service life.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling gear sleeve is subjected to axial forces from multiple components, then the clutch function is achieved, but the strength requirement of the coupling gear sleeve increases and user labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the axial force transmission function from the coupling gear sleeve by introducing the axial limiting sleeve. The coupling gear sleeve is relieved of axial force responsibilities and only handles rotational torque, reducing its strength requirements and making it easier for users to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial limiting sleeve serves as a mediator that captures axial forces from the rotating screw and redirects them to the housing. This prevents axial forces from being transmitted to the coupling gear sleeve, thereby reducing the strength requirements of the coupling gear sleeve and decreasing the labor users need to apply when toggling the clutch.
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 design reduces user effort and prolongs the clutch's service life by minimizing axial forces on the clutch components, allowing for smoother operation and faster retraction speeds while maintaining clutch functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the axial limiting sleeve is sleeved outside the rotating screw... the axial limiting sleeve is also axially limited with the housing. With this installation method, the axial force on the rotating screw can be transmitted to the housing through the axial limiting sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a self-locking device using friction sleeves and bearings to minimize axial forces on the clutch mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a linear actuator, belonging to the technical field of linear transmission, which includes a housing, a drive worm, a rotating screw and a drive nut. The drive worm drives the rotating screw to rotate. The rotating screw rotates to drive the drive nut to move axially along the rotating screw. A clutch means is arranged between the drive worm and the rotating screw. The clutch means includes a coupling gear sleeve axially movable relative to the rotating worm. The rotating screw is sleeved with an axial limiting sleeve. The axial limiting sleeve and the housing are abutted axially. The axial limiting sleeve and the rotating screw maintain alignment in an axial direction. When the rotating screw is subjected to an axial load, the rotating screw transmits axial force to the housing through the axial limiting sleeve, and the axial force is not transmitted between the coupling gear sleeve and the axial limiting sleeve in the axial direction. The present invention has the advantage that the clutch means has better smoothness when being driven.