Locking Collar Actuator Linkage for High-Force Rod Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator technologies require substantial force and large-scale mechanisms to restrict the movement of an output rod, 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 efficiently lock the main rod without requiring 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 member is designed with a movable portion that can dynamically change its position between locked and unlocked states. The movable portion moves along the tapered inner surface of the locking member, allowing the system to transition between states without requiring a large-scale mechanism. This dynamic design enables secure locking with reduced mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the tapered geometry of the locking member to convert small axial movements into significant radial forces. As the movable portion moves axially along the tapered surface, the contact radius changes, amplifying the locking force. This parameter change approach allows a compact mechanism to generate substantial locking force through geometric transformation rather than mechanical amplification.
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 movable portion of the locking member acts as an intermediary element that translates small movements from the output rod into large locking forces. Instead of directly applying substantial force to lock the output rod, the system uses the tapered geometry of the locking member to amplify the force through the movable portion's movement along its surface. This intermediary mechanism achieves high locking force with minimal input energy, improving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If an excessively large power source is used to operate the locking mechanism, then the main rod can be locked effectively, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits the geometric parameters of the tapered locking member to amplify force. By designing the locking member with a specific taper angle and dimensions, small movements of the movable portion generate progressively larger radial forces as the contact radius increases. This allows a compact power source to achieve effective locking through geometric force multiplication rather than requiring a large power source.
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 configuration allows for effective locking of the main rod with reduced power input, eliminating the need for large-scale mechanisms and 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 may 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
With contact being established between the tapered surfaces of the first and second locking members, the outer surface of the first locking member is pressed against the inner surface of the cylinder. This resultantly makes the first locking member immovable.
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuator unit (10) includes first and second link mechanisms (110, 120). The first link mechanism has first and second arms (111, 112) that extend in first and second directions when viewed in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation (P1). The first arm is connected at a first connection point (P2) to a power source (12) for powering the first link mechanism. The second arm is connected at a second connection point (P3) to the second link mechanism. The second link mechanism is connected at a third connection point (P4) to a locking collar (60). 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.