Linear Actuator Rear Mounting with Rotatable Lever Snap Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators require additional components and steps for mounting, specifically the use of a spring lock, which complicates the connection process to a bed shaft.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotatable lever with a snap connection mechanism that automatically secures the shaft within the actuator's accommodation space, utilizing a wedge and stop arrangement for secure locking and easy release, and materials with varying friction coefficients to minimize noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring lock is used to secure the shaft in the accommodation space, then the shaft can be reliably locked, but the mounting process requires additional components and additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and the shaft retention function into a single lever mechanism. The lever simultaneously closes the opening between the two arms and engages with the shaft to prevent disengagement, eliminating the need for a separate spring lock component and simplifying the mounting process while maintaining reliable shaft securing
Solution Approach 2:
The lever serves multiple functions: it acts as a closure for the opening, a locking mechanism for the shaft, and a release mechanism when actuated. This multi-functional design replaces the specialized spring lock component, reducing the total number of parts required while achieving the same reliability in shaft retention
2Ease of operation
If the opening is left open for easy shaft insertion, then mounting is simple, but the shaft can accidentally disengage from the accommodation space
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to automatically close the opening and engage the shaft as the shaft is inserted into the accommodation space. The shaft itself actuates the lever during insertion, so the locking action occurs automatically as part of the insertion process, ensuring the shaft is retained without requiring separate locking steps
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 preventing accidental disengagement of the shaft without additional components, reducing assembly complexity and noise during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The snap connection comprises a wedge arrangement at the lever, and a stop arrangement at the arm, wherein engagement of the wedge arrangement and the stop arrangement prevents rotation or turning of the lever about the axis.
Implementation Method 2
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.
Implementation Method 3
at least one arm is provided with a lever which is rotatable about an axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position an end portion of the lever at least partly closes an opening between the two arms
Implementation Method 4
materials with varying friction coefficients to minimize noise
Data Source
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.