Modular Actuation System With Planetary Gear Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Customized actuators for specific applications are often expensive and time-consuming to design, and existing solutions may not provide the necessary functionality, leading to inefficiencies in actuation systems.

Innovation Solution

An actuation system incorporating a planetary gear module with a mechanical option module that allows for the selective transformation of rotational motion into linear or rotary motion, featuring a modular design with interchangeable components to provide application-specific functionality without the need for custom design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If customized actuators are designed for specific applications, then application-specific functionality is achieved, but development time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific functionalityVSAvoiddesign time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system is divided into modular components: a base actuator unit and interchangeable application-specific modules. Each module can be independently designed and manufactured, then assembled together to create customized solutions without redesigning the entire actuator system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base actuator unit is designed with universal interfaces and mounting mechanisms that can accommodate multiple different application-specific modules. This allows a single actuator platform to serve multiple functions across different applications through module interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If customized actuators are designed for specific applications, then application-specific functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the actuator into standardized base units and specialized modules, manufacturing can be optimized for each component type independently. High-volume production of base units achieves economies of scale, while modules can be manufactured in smaller batches tailored to specific applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables easy replacement and recovery of application-specific modules. When an application changes or a module wears out, only the module needs to be replaced rather than the entire actuator, reducing long-term manufacturing and replacement costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If existing actuator solutions are used, then production time is reduced, but functionality may not meet application requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction timeVSAvoidfunctionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Application-specific modules are pre-designed and pre-configured with the necessary functionality for specific applications. When deployment is needed, these pre-prepared modules can be quickly attached to base actuators, avoiding the need for custom design and development during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration by swapping modules based on application needs. The actuator system can adapt its functionality on-demand rather than being fixed, enabling the same base unit to serve different applications with different functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach reduces development time and costs by enabling the use of pre-designed modules to meet specific application requirements, enhancing the efficiency and versatility of actuation systems.

Implementation Method 1

A planetary gear reducer is added to the motor to increase torque output and improve system stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2401525B1Actuation system and method of generating a rotary output

Publication Date: 2018.12.05 EXLAR CORP

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AI summary

An actuation system includes a prime mover, a mechanical option module, an actuator, and a controller. The prime mover includes a drive shaft. The mechanical option module includes a housing, an input shaft coupled to the drive shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear module. The planetary gear module includes a sun gear coupled to the input shaft, a planet carrier coupled to the output shaft, an outer ring, and planet gears meshed with the sun gear and the outer ring. The application-specific module is connected to the housing and configured to selectively influence movement of the outer ring of the planetary gear module. The actuator includes an actuator input shaft coupled to the output shaft of the mechanical option module. The controller controls an operation of at least one of the prime mover, the mechanical option module, and the actuator.