Linear actuator with protection mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators lack a sensitive obstacle-encountering protection mechanism that promptly detects obstacles during operation, leading to potential damage and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator with a protection mechanism featuring a motor case, drive mechanism, transmission mechanism, and protection structure, including a pressure-sensitive sensor and elastic member, which amplifies detection sensitivity by deforming under axial force to trigger an obstacle encounter warning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the obstacle-encountering detection unit is disposed at a location with relatively smaller deformation, then the generated deformed stress is not large enough to trigger the detection unit, but the response time becomes too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary between the machine core and the pressure-sensitive sensor. This elastic member amplifies the deformation stress when the machine core encounters an obstacle, enabling the pressure-sensitive sensor to detect obstacles more sensitively and respond faster without requiring the detection unit to be placed at a location with large deformation.
2Reliability
If the pressure-sensitive sensor is integrated permanently into the structure, then the detection function is stable, but the maintenance and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure-sensitive sensor from the main structure by positioning it on the extending plate that can be detached. This allows the sensor to be easily removed and replaced by simply detaching the extending plate, while maintaining stable detection function during normal operation. The fastening unit enables quick separation without affecting the overall structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If the extending plate is positioned close to the bearing cave, then the structure is compact, but the amplifying effect for obstacle detection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement by positioning the pressure-sensitive sensor at a specific location on the extending plate that is deviated from the bearing cave. This spatial optimization in a different dimension maintains structural compactness while maximizing the amplifying effect of the elastic member for obstacle detection, achieving both compact design and high detection sensitivity.
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
Enhances obstacle detection sensitivity, ensuring safer operation by promptly stopping movement upon encountering obstacles, with simplified maintenance through detachable pressure-sensitive sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member generates a deformation to trigger the pressure-sensitive sensor to sense an obstacle encountering situation
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator (1) with the protection mechanism includes: a motor case (10) having a case member (11) with a bottom plate (111) on which a through hole (114) is formed; a drive mechanism (20) accommodated in the case member (11); a transmission mechanism (30) having a machine core (31), a bearing (32), a base seat (33) with an extending plate (332) on which a penetrated hole (333) is formed, and a fasten unit (34) with a head part (341), the machine core (31) is connected to the drive mechanism (20), the bearing (32) is disposed on the base seat (33) and sheathes the machine core (31), the fasten unit (34) is fastened with the bottom plate (111); and a protection structure (40) sheathing the fasten unit (34) and disposed between the bottom plate (111) and the head part (341).