Linear Actuator Nested Anchor for High-Load Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear screw actuators are not robust enough to handle high loads and achieve rapid actuation, limiting their performance in high-speed, high-load environments.
Innovation Solution
A linear screw actuator design featuring a coaxial arrangement of components, including a hollow rotatable output shaft, an axially translatable output member, and a non-rotating anchor member with non-circular cross-section flats, which prevents rotation of the output member while allowing axial translation, enabling a compact, high-power actuator with low weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the output member is held against rotation by its connection to the actuated device, then the actuator can be simple in structure, but it cannot achieve high speed operation in high load environment
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into functionally independent segments: the output member handles only axial translation while the anchor member handles rotation prevention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling high-speed operation without compromising structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor member is nested within the output member, with the anchor's non-circular cross-section fitting inside the output member's hollow structure. This nested arrangement prevents rotation of the output member while maintaining a compact design that does not significantly increase overall complexity.
2Strength
If the actuator is designed for high load capacity, then it becomes robust, but it increases in weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow anchor member is nested within the hollow output member, creating a concentric arrangement that maximizes structural strength and load capacity while minimizing material usage. This nested configuration provides high rigidity and torque resistance without adding significant weight or external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator employs a composite structural arrangement combining the hollow output member and the non-circular anchor member in a nested configuration. This composite design optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio by strategically placing material where it is most needed for load bearing and torque resistance.
3Reliability
If the output member is prevented from rotating by connection to the actuated device, then rotation can be controlled, but friction increases and rapid actuation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the rotation prevention function (anchor member) from the actuation function (output member), the design eliminates unnecessary friction between the output member and actuated device. The anchor member handles rotation control through its non-circular cross-section, allowing the output member to move axially with minimal friction for rapid actuation.
4Volume of moving object
If a coaxial arrangement of components is used, then the actuator becomes compact and lightweight, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxial nested arrangement of the hollow anchor member within the hollow output member creates a self-aligning structure. The concentric geometry naturally guides component alignment during assembly, reducing the need for high-precision machining while achieving a compact actuator design.
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 results in a robust, compact, and lightweight actuator capable of high-speed operation in high-load environments with minimal friction, accommodating substantial torque and enabling rapid actuation.
Implementation Method 1
a screw thread connection between the input and output members causes the output member to translate axially as the axially fixed input member is rotated by the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
an axially extending region of non-circular cross-section with which said output member cooperates throughout its range of axial movement to resist rotation of the output member
Data Source
AI summary
A linear screw actuator including, an outer housing which is fixed in use, an electric motor within the housing, the motor including a hollow rotatable output shaft, a rotatable but axially fixed nut driven by said output shaft, an elongate hollow axially translatable output member, said output member extending within said output shaft of said motor and cooperating with said rotatable nut, and, an elongate anchor member secured against rotation relative to said housing and extending within said output member, said anchor member cooperating with said output member to hold said output member against rotation whereby rotation of said nut relative to said output member causes axial translation of said non-rotatable output member relative to the housing.