Linear Actuator End Plate Structure for Dust Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear actuators face issues with dust and dirt accumulation in environments where powder dust is scattered, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential contact with accumulated debris during movement.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring a slide table with an orthogonal end plate that includes a storage chamber on its surface, which collects and stores dust and dirt, preventing contact with accumulated debris and ensuring smooth operation even in dusty environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slide table operates in a dusty environment without a storage portion, then the structure remains simple, but dust and dirt accumulate around the guide mechanism causing operational interference
Solution Approach 1:
The storage portion is integrated into the end plate of the slide table, merging the dust collection function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate dust collection devices while ensuring smooth operation in dusty environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage portion acts as an intermediary between the guide mechanism and the external dusty environment. It captures and stores dust particles before they can interfere with the guide mechanism, preventing operational issues without requiring complex sealing or protection systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a storage portion is added to collect dust, then operational reliability improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The storage portion is formed as an integrated feature of the end plate rather than a separate component. This merging approach reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure while effectively addressing dust accumulation problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage portion is strategically positioned only at the end plate where dust accumulation occurs, rather than providing protection throughout the entire mechanism. This localized approach addresses the specific problem area without adding unnecessary complexity to other parts of the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a linear actuator (10), a slide table (14) is attached to a cylinder body (12) via a guide mechanism (18) so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body (12). The slide table (14) includes a table body (78) arranged above the cylinder body (12) and extending in the longitudinal direction, and an end plate (80) joined to an end of the table body (78) in the longitudinal direction so as to be substantially orthogonal to the table body (78). The end plate (80) includes a storage chamber (94) provided on one surface (80a) thereof in the longitudinal direction facing a guide mechanism (18) and depressed from the one surface in a direction away from the guide mechanism (18). For example, when the linear actuator is used in an environment where powder dust and the like is scattered, the storage chamber (94) stores therein a solidified matter made up of the powder dust and the like.