Needle Actuator With Adjustable Ride Plates for Precise Throw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle actuators lack the ability to efficiently convert rotary motion into precise linear motion with adjustable throw, which is crucial for applications like tattoo machines where visibility and adjustability are essential.
Innovation Solution
A rotary to linear actuator design featuring a drive shaft with adjustable ride plates and an axial adjustment member, allowing for the conversion of rotary motion into reciprocating motion with adjustable angle and stroke length, coupled with a reciprocating output element that can be securely mounted to the ride plates through a guide and retainer system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotary to linear actuator is designed with adjustable ride plates, then the precision and adjustability of linear motion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ride plates are designed with adjustable angles relative to the drive shaft, allowing the geometry of the mechanism to be dynamically changed to achieve different linear motion characteristics. This enables precise control of the actuator's throw and stroke while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator utilizes adjustable parameters including the angle of the ride plates and the position of the reciprocating output element to achieve precise linear motion control. By varying these geometric parameters, the device can be tuned for different applications without requiring complete structural redesign
2Reliability
If the reciprocating output element is coupled to ride plates through a guide and retainer system, then the reliability of motion transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A guide and retainer system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the ride plates and the reciprocating output element. This intermediary ensures reliable motion transmission by guiding the output element along the correct path while retaining it securely, preventing deviation or loss of motion control
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator design allows for adjustable throw and stroke, then the adaptability for different applications is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator incorporates dynamically adjustable components including ride plates at variable angles and a reciprocating output element whose position can be modified. These dynamic features enable the same device to be adapted for different applications with varying throw and stroke requirements while maintaining operational simplicity through straightforward mechanical adjustments
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 design enables efficient conversion of rotary motion to linear motion with improved visibility and adjustability, allowing for precise control of the needle's throw, enhancing the performance and usability of tattoo machines.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator for converting rotary to linear motion, the actuator comprising a drive shaft mounted in a housing for rotation about an axis; a first ride plate mounted on the drive shaft to rotate with the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator that can convert rotary motion into reciprocating motion. The actuator has a drive shaft and one or more ride plates mounted at an adjustable angle on the drive shaft. A reciprocating output element is coupled to the ride plates.