Actuator Motor Braking Mechanism With Friction Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear actuators experience reduced service life due to heat generation and limited braking effect from friction between a fixed torsion spring and a rotating cylindrical annulus, leading to frictional losses and overheating.
Innovation Solution
A motor with a braking mechanism featuring a torsion spring tightly bound around a friction element, where the friction element is arranged on the external periphery of a rotating shaft, and the torsion spring elastically clamps the friction element to provide a larger contact area for braking, minimizing wear and heat accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torsion spring is fixed and a cylindrical annulus rotates with the worm wheel, then a braking effect is provided, but heat is generated by frictions which may melt or damage the cylindrical annulus, reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
A friction element is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotating shaft and the torsion spring. The friction element absorbs the frictional contact, preventing direct friction between the torsion spring and the rotating cylindrical annulus (or worm wheel), thereby reducing heat generation and protecting the cylindrical annulus from thermal damage while maintaining the braking function.
2Force
If only linear contact between the torsion spring and the rotating cylindrical annulus is provided, then a braking effect is achieved, but the effective contact area is small limiting the braking effect
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is designed with a surface that contacts the rotating shaft, transforming the contact from a simple linear interface to a broader surface contact. This dimensional expansion of the contact area between the friction element and the rotating shaft significantly increases the effective braking surface, enhancing the braking effect while distributing the frictional forces more evenly.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the torsion spring is tightly bound around the friction element, then wear of the torsion spring is minimized, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the torsion spring provides the braking force, the friction element provides the contact surface with the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft provides the rotational motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the friction element protecting the torsion spring from direct wear while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
The solution achieves a better braking effect with reduced frictional losses, extended service life, and improved comfort by maintaining a steady speed during telescopic pipe retraction, while maintaining transmission performance and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
the torsion spring is arranged to elastically clamp the friction element
Implementation Method 2
the torsion spring forces the friction element to brake or decelerate the rotating shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A motor with a braking mechanism for an actuator includes a main body, a rotating shaft and a braking mechanism. The rotating shaft is disposed through the center of the main body. The braking mechanism includes a friction element and a torsion spring, the friction element is arranged on the external periphery of the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring is elastically clamped at an outer edge of the friction element and an end of the torsion spring is fixed to main body. When the rotating shaft rotates in one direction, the torsion spring abuts the friction element to brake and decelerate the rotating shaft. With small wear and tear of the torsion spring, the service life can be extended. With a large contact area between the friction element and the rotating shaft, a good braking effect can be achieved.