Nested Spindle Linear Actuator for Flexible Table Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear actuators with spindle drives lack flexibility in mounting and installation, limiting their usage in applications requiring adjustable positions.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring a drive unit with a hollow drive shaft, a profiled tube, and threaded spindles arranged such that the center part has the largest outer radius, allowing for simplified mounting and flexible installation, with a drive unit housing that can include an electric motor and planetary gear unit, and components made from materials like polyoxymethylene and steel for enhanced strength and vibration decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional linear actuators with spindle drives are used, then the basic linear adjustment function is achieved, but the mounting flexibility and installation adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the threaded hollow spindle is positioned inside the profile tube, and the spindle nut moves along the hollow spindle within the profile tube. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be compactly integrated, improving mounting flexibility without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator is divided into distinct functional segments: the drive shaft for rotation, the profile tube for linear guidance, the threaded hollow spindle for force transmission, and the spindle nut for motion conversion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates flexible mounting configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the profile tube is arranged with the largest radius in the center, then simplified mounting and flexible installation are enabled, but the device complexity increases due to the multi-component arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The profile tube serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the central structural element with largest radius for simplified mounting, guides the linear motion of the spindle nut, supports the threaded hollow spindle, and transmits forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby easing installation despite the multi-component arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges several functions into the profile tube structure: structural support, motion guidance, and force transmission. By combining these functions into a single central element with the largest radius, the design simplifies mounting procedures while the integrated nature of the components manages the overall complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-component spindle system is used, then flexible installation and adjustable positions are achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of the threaded hollow spindle within the profile tube and the spindle nut moving along the hollow spindle reduces the overall number of separate external components. This nesting minimizes assembly steps and reduces production costs while maintaining installation flexibility and adjustable positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a threaded hollow spindle combines the functionality of both a hollow tube and a threaded spindle into a single composite component. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining the flexibility benefits of the multi-component system.
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 enables flexible and cost-effective installation of linear actuators, allowing for adjustable positions and reduced production costs while maintaining high strength and rigidity across a wide temperature range, suitable for applications like height-adjustable tables.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded hollow spindle with an outside thread, arranged between the drive shaft and the profiled tube... A hollow-spindle nut... cooperates with the outside thread of the threaded hollow spindle
Implementation Method 2
the drive unit to comprise a gear unit, in particular a planetary gear unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A linear actuator comprises a drive unit housing (10) with a drive unit (7, 8) arranged therein, a driveshaft (1), hollow on the inside, driven by the drive unit (7, 8), and a profile tube (2) non-rotatably and longitudinally movably connected on the outside to the driveshaft (1). A threaded hollow spindle (3) with an outside thread is arranged between the driveshaft (1) and the profile tube (2) and fixedly connected to the drive unit housing (10). A hollow-spindle nut (4) is fixedly connected to the profile tube (2) at a first end of the profile tube (2) and cooperates with the outside thread of the threaded hollow spindle (3). A spindle nut (6) is fixedly connected to the profile tube (2) at a second end thereof. A threaded spindle (5) is arranged in the interior of the driveshaft (1) and cooperates with a thread of the spindle nut (6).