Linear Actuator Spring Return Without Gas Loss or Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear drive systems with gas springs suffer from gas losses, changing spring characteristics due to temperature variations, and require maintenance for gas refilling, affecting operational reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A linear drive system utilizing a mechanical energy storage in the form of a spiral or disc spring, where one end is supported at the spindle housing and the other at the actuator, allowing for reliable operation independent of ambient conditions and eliminating the need for gas refilling, with the spring providing actuating force in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gas spring is used as mechanical energy storage, then the system can provide emergency actuation force, but gas losses occur and spring characteristics change with temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas spring with a mechanical spring (metallic coil spring or torsion spring) that operates without gas. This eliminates gas losses and the associated reliability issues while maintaining the emergency actuation function. The mechanical spring is positioned in the annular gap between the spindle housing and actuator, providing consistent spring characteristics independent of temperature variations.
2Reliability
If a gas spring is used, then emergency function is provided, but maintenance for gas refilling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical spring is designed as a maintenance-free component that requires no refilling or adjustment. The spring is pre-loaded during assembly and maintains its energy storage capability throughout the product lifecycle, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance interventions that are required for gas springs.
3Device complexity
If a mechanical spring is placed outside movable components, then a slim drive conception is achieved, but the spring must be positioned in a constrained space
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical spring is nested within the annular gap between the spindle housing and the actuator, utilizing the existing radial space efficiently. This positioning allows the spring to be integrated into the drive system without increasing the overall external dimensions, maintaining a slim profile while providing the necessary emergency actuation force.
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 system maintains functionality without malfunctions and maintenance, ensuring reliable operation across varying conditions and rapid emergency position attainment, with the mechanical spring providing consistent actuating force without unwanted braking effects during power failures.
Implementation Method 1
one free end of the spring is supported at the free end of the spindle housing and the other free end of the spring is supported at a closing part of the actuator or at the actuator itself and is tensioned in every travel position of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A linear drive system has an actuator (10), which can be moved in a translatory manner by an electric drive (12) and which is coupled to a mechanical energy storage (16) in the form of a spring (32). In the event of a loss of energy at the electric drive (12) or in an emergency operation, the actuator (10) travels to a predeterminable position and in so doing exerts an actuating force. One free end of the spring (32) is supported at the free end of the spindle housing (20), and the other free end of the spring (32) is supported at a closing part (36) of the actuator (10) or at the actuator (10) itself and is tensioned in every travel position of the actuator (10).