Linear Actuator End Support Structure for Compact Steering Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromechanical linear actuators have a poorer travel-length ratio compared to hydraulic cylinders, making them unsuitable for applications where installation space is critical, such as vehicles and mobile equipment, due to their larger size and indirect spindle guidance.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design with a spindle radially supported at its axial ends within a housing, allowing for direct guidance and reduced installation space, featuring a ball screw or roller screw drive, and incorporating support and sealing mechanisms to enhance performance and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional linear actuator with indirect spindle guidance is used, then the spindle is protected from transverse loads, but the installation space required increases and the travel-length ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is radially supported at its axial ends by bearing blocks that extend radially from the housing, creating a new dimensional arrangement where the support structure projects perpendicular to the spindle axis. This allows direct radial support without requiring long thrust tubes, reducing the overall actuator length while maintaining spindle protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Bearing blocks are introduced as intermediary components between the spindle and housing. These blocks radially support the spindle at its axial ends and are guided by the housing, absorbing transverse loads and protecting the spindle while enabling compact design with improved travel-length ratio.
2Length of moving object
If direct radial support of the spindle on the housing is implemented, then the travel-length ratio improves and installation space is reduced, but the spindle becomes vulnerable to transverse loads
Solution Approach 1:
Bearing blocks serve as intermediary elements that enable direct radial support of the spindle on the housing while protecting the spindle from transverse loads. The bearing blocks are radially displaceable in the housing and absorb transverse forces, allowing the spindle to move axially with greater travel while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented into two distinct components: the bearing blocks that radially support the spindle and absorb transverse loads, and the housing that guides the axial movement. This segmentation allows the spindle to achieve greater travel while the bearing blocks protect it from damaging transverse forces.
3Reliability
If electromechanical linear actuators are used instead of hydraulic cylinders, then efficiency and positionability improve, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing blocks extend radially from the housing to support the spindle, creating a compact arrangement where the support function is achieved in the radial dimension rather than requiring extended axial length. This dimensional reorganization allows electromechanical actuators to compete with hydraulic cylinders in space-constrained applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing blocks are designed to be radially displaceable within the housing, allowing them to dynamically accommodate transverse loads while maintaining axial guidance. This dynamic capability enables the electromechanical actuator to achieve both compact size and high reliability in demanding applications.
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 achieves a significantly improved travel-length ratio, reducing installation space requirements and enabling compact, efficient, and lightweight integration in steering systems without the need for hydraulic fluid, while maintaining reliability and reducing friction and wear.
Implementation Method 1
In comparison with conventional screw gears, in this way friction and wear can be reduced
Implementation Method 2
the housing may be configured to guide the axial movement of the spindle and absorb any transverse loads which could reduce the service life of the linear unit
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes a housing and a linear unit disposed in the housing. A spindle of the linear unit, which is in particular axially displaceable in the housing, is radially supported at its two axial ends on the housing. A steering system or a double-pivot steering system with the linear actuator is also provided.