Linear Actuator Guide Rail Integration for High Load Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators are not optimally suited for high load, high speed, and high precision applications due to design limitations that can lead to inefficiencies and exposure of components to undesirable environments.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained linear actuator design featuring a housing with an input member and an output member that engages a guide rail to prevent rotation, eliminating the need for external guidance systems and enhancing precision and load handling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a pin and groove system is used to prevent rotation of the driven nut, then the actuator can handle basic loads, but it is not optimal for high press loads, increased ram speeds, or high precision applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation prevention function from the lead screw-nut interface by introducing a separate guide rail system. The guide rail with engagement feature is removed from the housing and integrated directly into the nut assembly, allowing the nut to be guided independently while the lead screw focuses solely on power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functions of power transmission and motion guidance by separating the lead screw (power transmission) from the guide rail (motion guidance). This functional segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific purpose, improving both load capacity and precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If an external guidance system with support rods and support bracket is provided, then the ram can be guided along a desired path, but bulky components extend from the linear actuator that may be exposed to undesirable environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guide rail and engagement feature into a single integrated component that is part of the nut assembly. This eliminates the need for separate external support rods and brackets, reducing structural complexity while maintaining guidance precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail is nested within the nut assembly structure, with the engagement feature integrated into the nut body. This nested configuration allows the guidance system to be compact and self-contained, eliminating external bulky components.
3Device complexity
If a pin extends from the driven nut into a groove in the housing to prevent rotation, then the design is simple, but it is not optimal for high speed applications
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail with engagement feature is integrated into the nut assembly, allowing the nut to self-guide along the rail as it travels. This self-service guidance mechanism eliminates the need for external guidance components and reduces friction, enabling higher speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator is provided that includes a housing having an input member supported for rotation therein. An output member travels linearly along the input member when the input member is rotated relative to the output member. A guide rail extends along an inner surface of the housing. The output member engages the guide rail to prevent rotation of the output member.