Linear Actuator Coupling for High Start Torque Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear actuators often require excessively high motor start torque to overcome pre-tension in movable valve elements, leading to over-dimensioned motors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring a coupling with a fit tolerance between two parts, allowing the first part to rotate a predefined distance before engaging the second part, thereby accelerating and increasing torque transfer without requiring excessive motor start torque, and incorporating a self-locking threaded connection to maintain position without constant motor torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor is provided with sufficiently high motor torque to overcome pre-tension, then reliable actuation of pre-tensioned valve elements is achieved, but the motor becomes over-dimensioned for normal operation and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed with a fit tolerance that allows dynamic engagement - the first part can rotate a predefined distance before engaging the second part. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to accommodate high start torque requirements transiently while maintaining normal operation with lower torque, avoiding motor over-dimensioning
Solution Approach 2:
The fit tolerance of the coupling changes the engagement parameter between the first and second parts. By allowing a predefined rotational distance before engagement, the system transforms the torque requirement profile - high torque is needed only during the brief engagement phase, not during continuous operation, thus reducing overall motor power requirements
2Power
If a coupling with fit tolerance is introduced to allow acceleration, then high start torque is achieved without excessive motor torque requirements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into a first part connected to the motor and a second part connected to the actuated component, with a defined fit tolerance between them. This segmentation allows the first part to accelerate independently before engaging the second part, generating high start torque without requiring the motor to be continuously oversized
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the actuated component. The fit tolerance in the coupling creates a controlled engagement delay that allows the first part to build up rotational momentum before transferring it to the second part, thereby generating high start torque with moderate motor power
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
Enables reliable actuation of pre-tensioned valve elements with reduced motor power consumption and costs by achieving high start torque without excessive motor torque requirements, ensuring robust operation and reliable valve opening performance.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling defining a fit tolerance between the first part and the second part allowing the first part to rotate a predefined distance before engaging the second part and rotating the second part along with the first part
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a self-locking threaded connection to maintain position without constant motor torque
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator (1) comprising a first part (3) and a second part (5) is disclosed. The first part (3) is arranged to rotate along with a rotating part (4) of a motor (2), and the second part (5) is arranged to drive an actuated part (18, 22). A coupling (6) interconnects the first part (3) and the second part (5) to allow the second part (5) to rotate along with the first part (3) at the same angular velocity as the first part (3). The coupling (6) defines a fit tolerance between the first part (3) and the second part (5) allowing the first part (3) to rotate a predefined distance before engaging the second part (5) and rotating the second part (5) along with the first part (3). The fit tolerance ensures that the first part (3) reaches a certain angular velocity and thereby that the resulting torque transfer from the first part (3) to the second part (5) is sufficient, e.g. to release the actuated part (18, 22) from a pre-tensioned state.