Linear Drive Control Housing Assembly With Integrated Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly process for control housings in linear drives is time-consuming and cost-intensive, requiring separate mounting on furniture and routing of cables from the control housing to the linear drive.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system that mechanically connects the control housing to the drive housing, simultaneously establishing electrical and data connections, eliminating the need for separate mounting and cabling, using a combination of an insertion system and connector system for robust and stable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control housing is mounted separately on furniture and connected via cable to the linear drive, then the control housing can be positioned flexibly, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical mounting function and electrical connection function into a single integrated fastening system. The control housing is directly coupled to the drive housing through this unified system, eliminating the need for separate mounting and cabling operations. This merging of functions directly addresses the contradiction by improving assembly speed while maintaining positioning flexibility through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, enables positioning, and establishes electrical connections all through a single assembly operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what were previously separate steps (mounting + cabling) into one universal assembly process, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If separate mounting and cabling operations are performed, then electrical connections can be established, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system merges the mechanical coupling and electrical connection operations into a single integrated action. When the control housing is mounted to the drive housing, the electrical contacts are simultaneously engaged, eliminating the need for separate cabling operations. This resolves the contradiction by reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design that ensures proper alignment and contact engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts are pre-positioned and integrated into the fastening system structure, so that the electrical connection is automatically established during the mounting operation itself. This preliminary arrangement of electrical components within the fastening system allows simultaneous mechanical and electrical connection, thereby reducing assembly time without compromising connection reliability.
3Strength
If a robust mechanical connection is made, then the connection is stable against forces, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system combines mechanical fastening elements and electrical contact elements into a single integrated structure. This merging allows the system to achieve robust mechanical strength while avoiding the complexity of separate mounting and cabling operations. The integrated design ensures that the mechanical and electrical functions are accomplished through a unified, relatively simple assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
Linear drive with a gear housing extending along a longitudinal axis, in which a spindle is rotatably mounted with a worm wheel connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner, a spindle nut running on the spindle, which is adjustable on the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position and which acts on a lifting tube. The spindle nut is arranged in the retracted position guide tube and retracted in the region of a rear end of the guide tube, and thus the lifting tube is also retracted into the guide tube. The spindle nut is arranged at a front end of the guide tube in the extended position. An electric motor drives the screw, which extends along a transverse axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, wherein the electric motor is accommodated in a motor housing which is connected to the gear housing. Furthermore, a control system is arranged in a control housing. In order to simplify the assembly of the control housing, a connection is formed between the control housing and the drive housing, which is designed in such a way that the latter is simultaneously electrically connected to the drive housing during the mechanical attachment.