Linear Adjuster Stop Fixation for Precise Travel Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear adjusters lack reliable operation mechanisms, particularly in preventing further movement once a stop state is reached during extension or retraction, leading to inconsistent adjustment lengths and potential mechanical blocking issues.
Innovation Solution
A linear adjuster with a spindle-and-spindle-nut mechanism, featuring first and second adjustment parts with stop devices that come into contact when in a stop state, and a fixation device that transitions between a stop provisioning and release state, allowing controlled retraction or extension movements by releasing mechanical fixation, thereby preventing further movement when in a stop state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the stop devices are designed to come into contact during retraction or extension movement, then the adjustment length can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases due to the fixation device and stop mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stop devices are designed to automatically engage with the fixation device when the adjustment parts reach the predetermined stop travel position during retraction or extension movement. The mechanical fixation occurs self-service without requiring external control systems, thereby achieving precise adjustment length control while minimizing additional device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is pre-configured in a ready state that allows automatic engagement with the stop devices before the retraction or extension movement completes. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the adjustment parts reach the stop travel position, the fixation occurs immediately and precisely, controlling the adjustment length without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms
2Reliability
If the fixation device mechanically fixes the stop devices in a stop provisioning state, then further movement is prevented ensuring reliable operation, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for manual release
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler manual release mechanism. The fixation device uses a releaseable mechanical connection that can be easily disengaged by manual intervention, maintaining reliable operation during normal use while improving ease of operation during maintenance or adjustment phases
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device transitions between a fixed state during operation and a released state during maintenance. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high reliability during normal operation when the fixation is engaged, while easily transitioning to an operational state for maintenance when the fixation is released, thus balancing reliability and ease of operation
3Manufacturing precision
If the stop devices are positioned to contact at predetermined stop travel positions, then the adjustment length precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stop devices are integrated directly into the adjustment parts, and the fixation device is merged with the main body structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, as the stop travel positions are determined by the inherent geometry and arrangement of the integrated components, thereby achieving precise positioning without increasing device 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
Ensures reliable operation by allowing precise control over adjustment lengths, preventing unintended further movement during stop states, and facilitating easy manual release of the fixation device for maintenance or adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a spindle-and-spindle-nut mechanism (2), in particular a spindle (3) and a spindle nut (5)
Implementation Method 2
the first stop device (30) and the second stop device (40) come into a stop state, in which the first stop device (30) and the second stop device (40) are in contact with one another with mutually facing surfaces
Implementation Method 3
a fixation device (50), in particular connection elements (51, 52), by means of which the first stop device (30) is held in the stop provisioning state
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a linear adjuster, comprising: a spindle-and-spindle-nut mechanism, a first adjustment part, and a second adjustment part. The first adjustment part comprises a first main body and a first stop device. The second adjustment part comprises a second main body and a second stop device. The first adjustment part and the second adjustment part may be moved relative to each other by means of the spindle-and-spindle-nut mechanism which comprises a spindle longitudinal axis (L3). The first stop device and the second stop device come to a stop state when the linear adjuster performs a retraction travel movement or an extension travel movement and the first adjustment part and the second adjustment part are in a predefined stop travel position relative to each other. A positioning device, a positioning assembly and a method for repairing a linear adjuster.