Linear Actuator Slide Table With Dust Storage End Plate

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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 part having a storage portion on its surface, which collects and stores dust and dirt, preventing contact with accumulated debris and ensuring smooth operation in dusty environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the linear actuator operates in an environment where powder dust is scattered, then the actuator can perform work in harsh conditions, but dust and dirt accumulate around the guide mechanism leading to operational problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate in dusty environmentVSAvoidsmooth operation of slide table

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful dust and dirt that accumulates around the guide mechanism into a beneficial storage material by providing a storage portion that captures these particles. The dust, which would otherwise cause operational problems, is now contained and managed within the designated storage area, transforming the harmful accumulation into a controlled feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage portion acts as an intermediary between the dusty environment and the guide mechanism. By providing this intermediate storage space, the invention prevents direct contact between the accumulated dust and the critical guide mechanism components, thereby protecting the system's reliability while maintaining operation in harsh conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If dust accumulates around the guide mechanism, then the actuator can continue operating in dusty environments, but the slide table may contact accumulated dust causing operational issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidsmooth movement of slide table

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the problematic dust accumulation from the critical operational area by providing a dedicated storage portion. This separation removes the dust from the path of the slide table's movement, allowing continuous operation without interference from accumulated debris.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage portion is positioned to proactively capture dust and dirt before they can accumulate in harmful quantities around the guide mechanism. This preliminary containment prevents the dust from reaching levels that would interfere with slide table movement, ensuring smooth operation throughout continuous use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If no storage portion is provided, then the structure remains simple, but dust accumulates and contacts the slide table during movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidprevention of dust contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage portion utilizes the orthogonal end part of the slide table, extending the functionality into a new spatial dimension. By using the end surface that faces the guide mechanism, the invention creates a storage space without adding significant complexity to the main body structure, efficiently preventing dust contact while maintaining relative simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 storage portion effectively collects and stores dust and dirt, preventing contact with accumulated debris and ensuring the slide table can operate smoothly even in environments with scattered powder dust, thereby maintaining efficient longitudinal movement.

Implementation Method 1

a guide mechanism attached to the cylinder body and configured to guide the slide table along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body under the rolling action of a plurality of rolling elements circulating a passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling action: Roller

Implementation Method 2

a cylinder mechanism having a piston arranged in the cylinder chamber and configured to be movable along the cylinder chamber; and configured to reciprocate the slide table relative to the cylinder body under the moving action of the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure fluid action: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11391306B2Linear actuator

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 SMC CORP

AI summary

In a linear actuator, a slide table is attached to a cylinder body via a guide mechanism so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body. The slide table includes a table body arranged above the cylinder body and extending in the longitudinal direction, and an end plate joined to an end of the table body in the longitudinal direction so as to be substantially orthogonal to the table body. The end plate includes a storage chamber provided on one surface thereof in the longitudinal direction facing a guide mechanism and depressed from the one surface in a direction away from the guide mechanism. For example, when the linear actuator is used in an environment where powder dust and the like is scattered, the storage chamber stores therein a solidified matter made up of the powder dust and the like.