Linear Guide Braking with Electro-Active Polymer Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear guides with braking or clamping devices are complex, costly, prone to failure, and require additional installation space, which can restrict their integration in applications like medical equipment where pneumatic or hydraulic supplies are not feasible, and existing electric systems are overly complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A linear guide utilizing a U-shaped electro-active polymer actuator along the longitudinal axis of the guide rail, which provides a simple and effective means to actuate the braking device, allowing for large actuating forces and paths within the guide carriage's cross-sectional profile, eliminating the need for additional components and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brake shoes are attached to the guide rail as additional components, then braking function is achieved, but installation space is increased and structural clearance is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is merged with the guide carriage by integrating the brake shoes directly into the carriage structure. The brake shoes are arranged between the guide rail and the guide carriage, eliminating the need for separate external braking components and reducing installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake shoes are nested within the structural clearance of the guide carriage, utilizing the existing space between the guide rail and carriage body. This nesting approach allows the braking mechanism to fit within the available dimensional constraints without requiring additional external space.
2Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic systems are used for braking devices, then actuating force is sufficient, but media supply infrastructure is required which is not feasible in medical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic or hydraulic actuation system is replaced with a magnetic actuation system. A magnetically driven mechanical actuating element acts on a tensioning element to generate the braking force, eliminating the need for external media supply infrastructure while maintaining sufficient actuating force for the braking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism changes from pneumatic/hydraulic pressure-based actuation to magnetic field-based actuation. This parameter change in the actuation principle allows the system to be adapted to medical equipment environments where media supply is not feasible, while still achieving the required braking force through magnetic forces acting on the tensioning element.
3Reliability
If electrically actuable brake systems are implemented, then self-locking capability is achieved without media supply, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning element serves a dual function: it transmits the braking force generated by the magnetic actuator and simultaneously provides the self-locking mechanism through its elastic properties. When the magnetic actuator releases, the tensioning element's elasticity automatically maintains the braking force without requiring additional self-locking components or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic energy stored in the tensioning element during braking is recovered and utilized to maintain continuous braking force. The tensioning element acts as an energy storage element that automatically sustains the braking action without requiring continuous external energy input or complex control mechanisms, thereby reducing system 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
The electro-active polymer actuator enables a compact, reliable, and cost-effective braking system that can be integrated seamlessly into linear guides, providing self-locking capabilities without the need for external media supplies, enhancing the usability in space-constrained applications like medical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A linear guide (2; 1) utilizing an electro-active polymer actuator (9; 10), which is embodied in a U-shape and which essentially fills the cross-sectional profile of a guide carriage (1) of the linear guide (2; 1)
Data Source
AI summary
A linear guide with a guide carriage longitudinally movably arranged on a guide rail, which is preferably U-shaped and a braking device effectively arranged between the guide rail and the guide carriage. An actuator for actuating the braking device is provided and the actuator has an electro-active polymer effectively arranged in the longitudinal axis of the linear guide which engages around the guide rail for actuating the braking device.