Linear Actuator Safety Mechanism for Automatic Collision Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-precision linear actuators face challenges in safely managing unforeseen collisions between the moving working device and the working environment, which can lead to damage and require time-consuming replacement of break elements, increasing the volume and weight of moveable parts and reducing operational speed and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a safety mechanism comprising a pressing mechanism and a second straight-guide mechanism that allows the high-precision linear actuator to automatically change from a pressing-contact condition to a released-contact condition in case of an unforeseen collision, and then automatically return to the pressing-contact condition once the collision is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If break elements are employed as a safety mechanism, then protection against collision damage is achieved, but the volume and weight of moveable parts increase and operational speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the safety function from the moveable actuator element and relocates it to the stationary actuator housing. The housing contains a sacrificial element that breaks upon collision, providing protection without adding mass to the moving parts. This separation allows the actuator element to remain lightweight and fast while the housing absorbs collision impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary sacrificial element positioned between the actuator housing and the actuator element. This intermediate component serves as a collision absorber that protects the main actuator mechanisms. The sacrificial element is designed to break preferentially, transferring the collision impact away from critical components without requiring reinforcement of the moveable parts.
2Reliability
If break elements are employed as a safety mechanism, then protection against collision damage is achieved, but replacement time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a sacrificial element designed as a disposable, low-cost component that breaks upon collision and can be quickly replaced. This element is intentionally made replaceable and inexpensive so that when it fails during a collision event, replacement is a simple, rapid process that minimizes downtime. The focus is on providing economical, quick replacement rather than designing for long service life.
3Reliability
If break elements are incorporated in the actuator element and working device, then collision protection is achieved, but the volume and weight of moveable parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the safety function from the moveable actuator element and relocates it to the stationary actuator housing. The housing contains a sacrificial element that breaks upon collision, providing protection without adding mass to the moving parts. This separation allows the actuator element to remain lightweight and fast while the housing absorbs collision impacts.
4Reliability
If a safety mechanism is implemented, then protection against unforeseen collisions is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the safety mechanism with the existing actuator housing structure. The sacrificial element is integrated into the housing rather than being a separate, additional component. This consolidation provides collision protection while minimizing structural complexity, as the safety function is combined with the existing housing geometry and assembly processes.
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 solution enables automatic reinstatement of the actuator's operational state after a collision, eliminating the need for break elements and allowing for compact and lightweight design, thereby optimizing operational speed and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
said pressing mechanism comprises a draw spring (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A high-precision linear actuator (1) comprises: a first straight- guide mechanism (11A, 11B, 11C), which guides movements of an actuator element (4) and a working device (6) relative to an actuator housing (3); a pressing mechanism (7, 8, 9), which in a pressing-contact condition presses the actuator frame (2) and the actuator housing (3) with a predetermined force against one another; and a second straight- guide mechanism (12A, 12B), which guides movements of the actuator housing relative to the actuator frame between said pressing-contact condition and released-contact conditions in which the pressing mechanism presses the actuator frame and the actuator housing towards one another. The invention provides a safety mechanism which automatically reinstates negative consequences of unforeseen collisions in the working environment. In addition the invention allows for a compact and light-weight design of the actuator element and the working device, which improves operational speed and effectivity of the linear actuator.