Linear Actuator Rear Mounting with Rotatable Lever Snap Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators require additional components and steps for mounting the rear mounting onto a bed shaft, making the process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A two-arm lever with a releasable snap connection is used to secure the shaft within the accommodation space, allowing automatic rotation and locking, preventing disengagement without manual operation, and utilizing a wedge arrangement to ensure secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring lock is used to connect the two arms and keep the opening closed, then the shaft can be secured in the accommodation space, but additional components and mounting steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lever combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both the closing element for the opening and the locking element through its snap connection with the stop arrangement. This eliminates the need for separate spring locks and reduces the number of mounting steps while maintaining reliable shaft securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever automatically rotates about its axis when the shaft is pushed into the accommodation space, causing the first end to close the opening and engage with the stop arrangement. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation or additional components to secure the shaft.
2Reliability
If the lever is secured by a releasable snap connection, then the shaft can be securely held in the accommodation space, but the lever cannot be turned back without releasing the snap connection
Solution Approach 1:
The snap connection transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state, allowing the lever to be rotated in one direction for secure holding while enabling reverse rotation only when intentionally released. This dynamic connection provides both secure holding and controlled adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lever and the stop arrangement, providing the snap connection that enables both secure locking and controlled release. The wedge geometry allows easy release by pressing the resilient branch while maintaining secure holding during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If the wedge arrangement and stop arrangement are moveable relative to each other, then the snap connection can be released by pressing the resilient branch, but additional movement complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is segmented into a resilient branch and a rigid portion, allowing the resilient branch to move independently to release the snap connection while the rest of the lever maintains its structural integrity. This segmentation enables easy release without requiring complex movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient branch changes its physical state from a locked position to an unlocked position through elastic deformation when pressed. This parameter change (elastic deformation) provides a simple and reliable mechanism for releasing the snap connection without adding mechanical complexity.
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
Facilitates easy and secure mounting of the linear actuator by eliminating the need for additional components and steps, providing a reliable and noise-reduced connection.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge arrangement is located on a resilient part of the lever. The resilient part allows for a slight movement of the wedge arrangement in a direction parallel to the axis of the lever.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A linear actuator is described comprising an actuator housing, a driven element moveable at a front end of the linear actuator and a mounting (4) at a rear end of the linear actuator, wherein the mounting (4) comprises two arms (9,10) and an accommodation space (11 ) between the two arms (9,10). The object underlying the invention is to provide a linear actuator which can easily be mounted with its rear mounting. To this end, at least one arm (9,10) is provided with a lever (12,13) which is rotatable about an axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, an end portion (14,16) of the lever (12,13) at least partly closes an opening (18) between the two arms (9,10) and in the open position makes the opening (18) accessible.