Linear Actuator Housing Reinforcement for Stable Telescopic Desks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Height-adjustable desks face stability issues in the longitudinal direction due to the removal of cross members for cost and safety reasons, which compromises the structural integrity without increasing costs or altering the appearance.

Innovation Solution

Internal reinforcements, such as inclined plate pieces, are strategically positioned within the linear actuator housing to enhance rigidity in the longitudinal direction without increasing size or visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cross members are removed to reduce cost and improve safety, then manufacturing cost decreases and safety improves, but longitudinal stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidlongitudinal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The strengthening means are nested inside the housing of the linear actuator, utilizing the internal space of the existing structure. This allows the strengthening elements to be contained within the housing without increasing external dimensions or visibility, while still providing the necessary longitudinal stability to compensate for the removed cross members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The strengthening means extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing, utilizing the length dimension of the actuator housing. By positioning strengthening elements along the longitudinal axis, the solution provides structural reinforcement in the critical longitudinal stability direction without adding external cross members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If housing dimensions are reduced to improve appearance and reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases and appearance improves, but longitudinal rigidity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidlongitudinal rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The strengthening means are placed inside the housing, utilizing the internal volume of the compact structure. This nesting approach allows the housing to maintain its small external dimensions for cost and appearance benefits, while the internal strengthening elements provide the necessary longitudinal rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The strengthening means are strategically positioned at specific locations within the housing where longitudinal rigidity is most needed. By concentrating strengthening material in critical areas rather than uniformly throughout, the solution maintains longitudinal rigidity while minimizing the overall size and cost of the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If housing dimensions are reduced to improve appearance, then appearance improves, but longitudinal stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoidlongitudinal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The strengthening means are nested within the housing, keeping the external appearance clean and compact without visible reinforcements. This allows the housing to maintain an aesthetically pleasing small appearance while the internal strengthening elements provide the necessary longitudinal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Stability of the object's composition

If strengthening means are added externally to improve longitudinal stability, then longitudinal stability improves, but appearance deteriorates and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelongitudinal stabilityVSAvoidappearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The strengthening means are placed inside the housing rather than externally, so they do not alter the external appearance of the linear actuator. This internal placement maintains the clean, compact appearance while still providing the necessary longitudinal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The strengthening means are integrated with the housing structure, combining the housing and strengthening elements into a unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate external strengthening additions, maintaining appearance while providing stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2503918B1Linear actuator
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 LINAK AS
  • EP2503918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2503918B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2503918B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A linear actuator, especially for telescopic lifting columns (7) comprising a reversible electric motor (16) and a transmission (17) located in a box-shaped housing (14). A Linear movable activation element (18), preferably a spindle unit (19-21) connected to the transmission (17) is secured to the housing (14)). The activation element is intended for moving an adjustable element, e.g. a table top in the structure into which the actuator should be incorporated. The housing (14) is equipped with internal reinforcements (32) for strengthening said housing in its longitudinal direction and possibly also in its transverse direction. Thus a linear actuator with sufficient rigidity for use in sitting/standing tables without cross member is achieved.