Linkage Actuator Locking Collar for Compact Rod Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator technologies require substantial force and large-scale mechanisms to restrict the movement of output rods, making them inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The actuator unit incorporates a main rod, a lock mechanism, a first link mechanism, and a second link mechanism, utilizing the principle of leverage to amplify power input and transmit it to the locking collar, allowing for efficient locking of the main rod without the need for an excessively large power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a substantial force is applied to press the second locking member against the first locking member to restrict the output rod movement, then the output rod is securely locked, but a large-scale mechanism is required which increases device complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking members (first and second locking members) that can be locked separately. The first locking member is locked by pressing against the cylinder inner surface, while the second locking member is locked by pressing against the first locking member. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and simpler while collectively achieving reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking member is locked in advance by pressing it against the cylinder inner surface before the second locking member is engaged. This preliminary action creates a stable base that reduces the force required for the second locking member, thereby reducing the overall mechanism scale while maintaining locking reliability.
2Force
If a large-scale mechanism is provided to move the second locking member with substantial force, then the output rod can be restricted from moving, but the device becomes cumbersome and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking force is divided into two stages: first, the cylinder pressing force locks the first locking member; second, the second locking member presses against the already-locked first locking member. This segmentation allows each stage to use smaller, more efficient forces rather than requiring one large-scale mechanism to generate all the locking force at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking member acts as an intermediary between the cylinder and the second locking member. It transmits and amplifies the pressing force from the cylinder, reducing the force that the second locking member needs to generate independently. This intermediary role improves operational efficiency by creating a mechanical advantage in the force transmission chain.
3Power
If an excessively large power source is used to provide substantial force for locking, then the main rod can be securely locked, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power requirement is segmented into two independent locking actions. The first locking member requires power only to press against the cylinder inner surface, while the second locking member requires power to press against the first locking member. This segmentation allows the use of a smaller power source that can sequentially perform these two actions rather than requiring excessive power for a single large-scale locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking member is locked in advance using a small amount of power to press it against the cylinder. This preliminary action creates a mechanical advantage that reduces the power required for the second locking member. The sequential, preliminary approach allows a compact power source to achieve secure locking without excessive size or 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
This solution enables the main rod to be locked effectively while reducing the size and complexity of the power source required, enhancing efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
the first link mechanism can use the principle of leverage, thereby increasing the power input from the power source and then transmit the increased power to the second link mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The second link mechanism is configured to convert a force acting to move the second connection point in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction into a force acting to move the inner surface of the locking collar toward the outer surface of the locking member in the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
the outer surface of the locking member is pressed against the inner surface of the locking collar... the outer surface of the locking member is a tapered surface... the inner surface is sloped
Implementation Method 4
the locking mechanism is configured to restrict the main rod from moving... With contact being established between the tapered surfaces... the main rod is immovable
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator unit includes first and second link mechanisms. The first link mechanism has first and second arms that extend in first and second directions when viewed in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation. The first arm is connected at a first connection point to a power source for powering the first link mechanism. The second arm is connected at a second connection point to the second link mechanism. The second link mechanism is connected at a third connection point to a locking collar. The locking collar is configured to reciprocate as the first link mechanism rotates in a reciprocating manner. The distance from the first connection point to the axis of rotation is greater than the distance from the second connection point to the axis of rotation.