Linear Actuator Head Vibration Absorption via Elastic O-Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuator structures for vehicular lighting devices face challenges in absorbing vibrations effectively, leading to reduced positioning accuracy and noise due to complex and non-versatile vibration-absorbing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring an output shaft with a harder head and a softer elastic member, such as an O-ring, that projects from the head to absorb shocks and vibrations, preventing deformation of the head and maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing backlash and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the head is made of a hard material to prevent deformation, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but vibrations and shocks are transmitted to the attachment
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic member is introduced as an intermediary between the hard head and the attachment. This elastic member absorbs vibrations and shocks through deformation, preventing them from being transmitted to the attachment, while the hard head maintains positioning accuracy. The elastic member acts as a mediator that isolates the harmful vibrations from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a hard head material (for positioning accuracy) and a soft elastic member material (for vibration absorption). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve both rigidity for precision and flexibility for shock absorption.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a vibration-absorbing function is provided by modifying the receiving structure, then vibrations are absorbed, but the structure becomes complex and lacks versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-absorbing function is extracted from the receiving structure and concentrated in the elastic member attached to the head. This extraction allows the receiving structure to remain simple while the elastic member specifically handles vibration absorption, reducing overall structural complexity and improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire receiving structure complex to absorb vibrations, the invention applies the vibration-absorbing quality locally at the head through the elastic member. This localized approach maintains simplicity in the overall structure while providing the necessary vibration absorption where it is most needed.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the elastic member contacts the inner circumferential surface of the attachment, then shocks and vibrations are absorbed, but the head must be contained in the attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides dynamic interaction between the head and the attachment. It allows controlled contact and deformation to absorb shocks and vibrations, while maintaining the containment relationship that reduces backlash. The dynamic elasticity enables both vibration absorption and precise positioning.
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 design effectively absorbs vibrations and shocks, maintaining positioning accuracy and reducing noise in linear actuator applications, particularly in vehicular lighting systems, by utilizing a simpler structure that integrates an elastic member to counteract the harder head material.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member absorbs shocks and vibrations that are transmitted between the head and a member which contacts the head
Implementation Method 2
the O-ring contacts the inner circumferential surface of the attachment and deforms
Data Source
AI summary
A head of an output shaft of a linear actuator is modified so as to absorb vibrations that may be transmitted between the output shaft and a moving object. A linear actuator has an output shaft with a leading end to which a head is fixed. The head has an O-ring that is fitted thereto, and a part of the O-ring outwardly projects from the head. The O-ring is made of rubber that is softer than the material of the head. The head is contained in a containing space in an attachment, and in this condition, the O-ring contacts an inner circumferential surface of the containing space by deforming.