Compact Linear Actuator with Nested Motor and Worm Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear actuators with dual worms are bulky due to the motor being attached at the bottom or lateral surface, making them unsuitable for narrow spaces, and their motion stability is compromised by using reduction gears.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring a telescoping sleeve with an inner, intermediate, and outer sleeve, where a motor is placed within the sleeve, utilizing a reduction worm gear system to drive a rotor worm and passive worm gear, allowing for axial movement and stability while minimizing size, with a stator nut and worm arrangement enabling bi-directional extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the motor is attached at the bottom or lateral surface of the linear actuator, then the actuator can provide stable support for the dual worms, but the actuator becomes huge and unsuitable for narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is nested inside the telescoping sleeve structure, with the motor shaft extending axially to drive the reduction worm gear. This nesting arrangement allows the motor to be integrated within the actuator body rather than attached externally, significantly reducing the overall volume while maintaining structural stability through the nested configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If reduction gears are used to drive the motor in the telescoping sleeve, then the actuator can be downsized, but the motion stability becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A reduction worm gear serves as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the rotor worm. The reduction worm gear with its worm teeth engages with the rotor worm, providing stable motion transmission while enabling the motor to be positioned within the telescoping sleeve. This intermediary arrangement maintains motion stability despite the compact integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two worms are arranged in the telescoping sleeve, then the actuator can provide bi-directional motion, but the motor must be attached externally making the actuator huge
Solution Approach 1:
The dual worm arrangement is configured along the axial dimension of the telescoping sleeve, with the motor shaft extending axially to drive the reduction worm gear which in turn drives the rotor worm. This axial arrangement allows bi-directional motion capability while maintaining a compact structure suitable for narrow spaces, avoiding the need for external lateral attachment.
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 design allows for a compact linear actuator that can rapidly move objects bi-directionally, enhancing stability by integrating the motor within the telescoping sleeve and using a reduction worm gear system, making it suitable for narrow spaces while maintaining motion stability.
Implementation Method 1
a reduction worm gear pivoted on the base and driven by the motor; a rotor worm pivoted on the base and engaged with the reduction worm gear
Implementation Method 2
a stator nut connected to the inner sleeve and engaged with the rotor worm are arranged in the telescoping sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes a telescoping sleeve (100). The telescoping sleeve (100) includes an inner sleeve (110), an intermediate sleeve (120) sheathing the inner sleeve (110) and an outer sleeve (130) sheathing the intermediate sleeve (120). A base (200) connected to the intermediate sleeve (120); a motor (300) arranged on the base (200); a reduction worm gear (400) pivoted on the base (200) and driven by the motor; a rotor worm (500) pivoted on the base (200) and engaged with the reduction worm gear (400); a rotor worm gear (800) pivoted on the base (200); a stator worm (700) inserted in the rotor worm gear (800) and connected to the outer sleeve (130); and a stator nut (900) connected to the inner sleeve (110) and engaged with the rotor worm (500) are arranged in the telescoping sleeve (100).