Modular Linear Actuator with Detachable Motor Box for Easy Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current linear actuators for electrical lifting platforms have integrated assembly structures, making dismantling and part replacement complicated, and result in high recycling costs due to the difficulty in separating built-in components.
Innovation Solution
A modular linear actuator design comprising an actuator body module and a detachable motor box module, connected via a buckle structure and spline pair, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools, and enabling separate recycling of the motor module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integrated assembly structure is used for the linear actuator, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases and makes dismantling and part replacement complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator is divided into separate modules: a motor box module containing the motor and transmission device, and an actuator body module containing the lifting column and turn-screw module. These modules are connected through a detachable buckle structure, allowing them to be assembled and disassembled easily while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If an integrated assembly structure is used for the linear actuator, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ease of repair and part replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into standardized modules with detachable connections. The motor box module can be separately manufactured and assembled to the actuator body module through the buckle structure, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance processes by allowing independent production and replacement of modules.
3Ease of manufacture
If the linear actuator is scrapped as an overall product, then the recycling process is simplified, but the recycling costs increase hugely due to the net weight of complete systems
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable buckle structure enables the motor box module to be separated from the actuator body module for recycling. This allows the motor and transmission device to be recovered and reused separately, reducing the net weight of scrapped electronic equipment and thereby reducing recycling expenses according to WEEE regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design facilitates selective recovery of valuable components. The motor box module containing the motor and transmission device can be detached and recovered separately from the actuator body, maximizing material and component recovery while minimizing waste disposal costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hundreds of meticulously sub-divided actuating products are produced to meet diverse customer requirements, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is segmented into standardized modules that can be configured in different combinations. The motor box module can be detached and replaced with different motor specifications, while the actuator body module remains standardized. This modular approach allows customization of performance parameters without requiring completely different product designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized buckle connection and interface design create universal modules that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The same actuator body module can work with different motor box modules to meet various customer requirements, reducing the need to produce hundreds of specialized products.
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
Facilitates easy replacement of parts, extends product life, reduces recycling costs, and accommodates diverse customer requirements through interchangeable modules.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission device of the motor box module and the actuator body module perform transmission engagement through a spline pair formed by multi-teeth internal and the external splines
Implementation Method 2
the motor box module is detachably mounted at the end portion of the actuator body module through a buckle structure between the motor box module and the actuator body module
Implementation Method 3
the motor shaft of the worm wheel motor is equipped with a worm engaging with a side of the worm wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A modular linear actuator and a height adjustable desk. The modular linear actuator comprises an actuator body module and a motor box module, the motor box module is detachably mounted at an end portion of the actuator body module, and the motor box module outputs the power of a motor to the actuator body module by means of a transmission device. The height adjustable desk comprises a desk plate, a desk frame, and the modular linear actuator. The desk frame is mounted on the actuator body module of the modular linear actuator. The modular linear actuator can be detached and recycled when being scrapped, which reduces the recycling cost and prolong the service life of a product. The motor box modules having different motor models are matched and combined with a plurality of actuator body modules. It enables the use of fewer product types to satisfy more performance requirements.