Multi-Eversion Actuator Control With One Motor and Shared Reels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of using multiple linear actuators in applications where linear motion is required, such as in vacuum table conveyors and trenchless pipe repair, due to the need for multiple motors and motor drivers, which increases size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to control multiple eversion-based actuators using a single motor or no motor, employing an activation mechanism with a rotating shaft, clutch, brake, and pressure source to extend and retract the actuators, and a retraction mechanism with a passive system to reduce the number of motors required, thereby reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear actuators are used to provide linear motion in multiple locations, then the required linear motion function is achieved, but the size and cost of the apparatus increases due to multiple motors and motor drivers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple linear actuators are merged into a single actuator system that uses one motor to drive multiple reels. The motor shaft is coupled to multiple reels through a shared mechanical structure, allowing one motor to provide linear motion capability to multiple locations simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of motors and motor drivers required
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor system is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different reels. The motor can independently control the extension and retraction of multiple actuators through the shared shaft and reel mechanism, making the single motor universal for driving multiple linear motion functions
2Ease of operation
If multiple linear actuators with individual motors are employed, then independent control of each actuator is achieved, but the cost of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple actuator control functions into a single motor system with independent control capability. Each reel can be independently controlled through the shared motor shaft by selectively engaging or disengaging specific reels from the motor drive, achieving independent actuator control without requiring separate motors for each actuator
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical intermediary system consisting of the shared shaft and reel mechanism is introduced between the single motor and multiple actuators. This intermediary allows the motor to selectively drive different reels independently, providing the mediation needed to achieve independent control of multiple actuators from a single motor source
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed here is a system and method to control multiple eversion-based actuators using a single motor, or no motor, thereby reducing the size and cost of the multiple eversion-based actuators. An activation mechanism can include a motor rotating in an expansion direction, rotating shaft, clutch, brake, pressure source under high pressure, and/or valve. The activation mechanism can cause the actuators including a wound reel of material to unwind and lengthen. A retraction mechanism can include a motor rotating in a contraction direction opposite the expansion direction, rotating shaft, clutch, pressure source having low pressure, valve associated with the pressure source, and/or the passive retraction system. The retraction mechanism can cause the actuators to rewind and shorten.