Linear Actuator Piezo Squeeze Protection for Adjustable Furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing squeeze protection devices for linear actuators in adjustable furniture are complex, expensive, and difficult to install, often requiring separate wiring and increased space, and they do not effectively address the variable loads in furniture adjustments to prevent personal injury and mechanical overload.
Innovation Solution
A compact squeeze protection device is integrated directly with the electric motor of the linear actuator, utilizing a piezo element and a compressible part with a spring mechanism to detect squeezing forces, which generates a voltage signal to interrupt the motor current and prevent overload, eliminating the need for external wiring and additional assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a squeeze protection device is added to provide safety, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The squeeze protection device is merged with the actuator housing to form an integrated unit. The housing serves dual purposes: as the structural enclosure for the actuator and as the protective squeeze protection device. This eliminates the need for separate protection devices while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it encloses the actuator components, provides structural support, and simultaneously acts as the squeeze protection device. The housing's universal design allows it to fulfill both mechanical and safety protection roles without requiring additional components.
2Reliability
If a separate squeeze protection device is added, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the squeeze protection device with the actuator housing into a single integrated component, the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled is reduced. This merging eliminates the need for separate production of protection devices, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining safety functionality.
3Reliability
If a separate squeeze protection device is added, then safety is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The squeeze protection device is merged with the actuator housing to form an integrated unit that is installed as a single component. This eliminates the need for separate installation steps for the protection device, thereby simplifying the installation process while ensuring safety functionality is present.
4Reliability
If the actuator housing is made larger to accommodate squeeze protection, then safety is improved, but the housing volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator housing is designed to perform multiple functions including structural support, component enclosure, and squeeze protection. By making the housing universal and multi-functional, no additional volume is required beyond what is already needed for the actuator's operational components, as the protection function is integrated into the existing structure.
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 solution provides safe and independent squeeze protection that is simple, cost-effective, and space-efficient, effectively preventing injuries and mechanical overload by integrating the protection directly within the actuator, reducing assembly complexity and costs while functioning regardless of load variations.
Implementation Method 1
The device utilizes a piezo element and compressible parts to detect squeezing
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator (8) in which a squeeze protection device is arranged, where the device is located in connection with the rear fixture (17) on the motor (10). The squeeze protection device is based on a piezo element (23), which as a module (22) is built into the actuator (8), so that it is passed through by the forces, exerted by the actuator (8). The piezo element (23) is equipped with cables (30), which are connected to a printed circuit board (31) in the actuator (8), where the connections for the actuator (8) are collected, so that the signal from the squeeze protection in an easy manner may be communicated to a control device (6), which can stop the motor (10) or briefly reverse the direction of the movement and thus release a trapped object.