Modular Actuator Design for Vehicle Component Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of manufacturing multiple actuators for vehicle component adjustments, such as seat and steering column positioning, due to the need for various specific designs and assembly lines, necessitates a modular and interchangeable actuator solution.

Innovation Solution

A modular linear actuator design featuring a DC drive motor, spindle assembly, and gear assembly with interchangeable components, including washers and connection interfaces, allowing the same motor and gearing to be used across multiple applications by rearrangement or substitution of parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators with specific adaptations are used for different vehicle applications, then the actuators can meet specific application requirements, but the manufacturing cost increases and the number of assembly lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific adaptationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a common actuator platform with standardized motor, gear assembly, and spindle components that can serve multiple vehicle applications. The modular connection interfaces allow the same actuator to be adapted for different functions (seat adjustment, steering column positioning, etc.) without requiring separate dedicated designs for each application, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining application-specific performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators with specific adaptations are used for different vehicle applications, then the actuators can meet specific application requirements, but the number of assembly lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific adaptationVSAvoidnumber of assembly lines

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality through a standardized actuator architecture with common core components (motor, gear assembly, spindle) that can be produced on unified assembly lines. The modular connection interfaces enable the same production line to assemble actuators for various applications by simply changing the connection interface components, thereby reducing the number of dedicated assembly lines needed while maintaining the ability to meet specific application requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If interchangeable components are used in the actuator design, then the manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced, but the connection interface design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidconnection interface design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the actuator into modular components with standardized connection interfaces. The connection interface is segmented into standardized mounting features and application-specific attachment points, allowing the complex interface requirements to be managed through modular, pre-designed connection elements rather than integrated complex designs. This segmentation reduces overall manufacturing complexity while managing connection interface complexity through standardization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 modular design enables the same actuator components to be used in various applications, reducing the number of assembly lines and parts required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and increasing production volume, while maintaining flexibility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a DC drive motor, a spindle assembly and a gear assembly that connects the DC drive motor to a spindle of the spindle assembly and that drives the spindle to rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a gear assembly that connects the DC drive motor to a spindle of the spindle assembly and that drives the spindle to rotate about a spindle axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10738866B2Modular actuator for providing relative motion between two points

Publication Date: 2020.08.11 ROBERT BOSCH MEXICO SISTEMAS AUTOMOTRICES S A DE CV

AI summary

An actuator provides linear motion between two points, and includes a motor, a spindle assembly and a gear assembly that connects the motor to a spindle of the spindle assembly and drives the spindle to rotate about a spindle axis. The gear assembly includes a gear housing that encloses gears and a portion of the spindle. The gear assembly including the gear housing is modular in that it includes features that allow it to be easily adapted by a rearrangement of components, and/or by substitution of certain components, to accommodate the requirements of multiple different applications.