Offset Snubber Assembly for Serviceable Actuator Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators with snubber assemblies require disassembly to inspect or replace snubber devices, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when using offset energy absorbing devices like crush tubes that require disassembly of the actuator for replacement.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design with a snubber assembly mounted at one end of the housing, featuring a frame that allows for in situ inspection and replacement of energy absorbing devices, such as crush tubes, without disassembling the actuator, using a configuration of frame parts and stops to compress and deform the devices only during uncontrolled operations, reducing wear and facilitating easy adaptation to different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the snubber assembly is integrated within the actuator housing, then the structure is compact and protected, but inspection and replacement of snubber devices require disassembly of the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The snubber assembly is segmented from the main actuator housing into a separate, detachable unit mounted on the exterior. This allows the snubber assembly to be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the actuator housing, while still maintaining a compact overall structure when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The snubber assembly is extracted from the internal housing and positioned on the exterior surface of the actuator. This extraction enables direct access to the snubber devices for inspection and replacement, while the snubber assembly itself remains a contained unit that can be easily detached.
2Reliability
If energy absorbing devices are positioned on the actuator axis, then they provide effective damping, but replacement requires disassembly of the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing devices are positioned offset from the actuator axis in a radial direction, while still providing effective damping through the snubber assembly frame. This dimensional change allows the devices to be accessed and replaced from the exterior without actuator disassembly, while maintaining damping effectiveness through proper geometric arrangement.
3Ease of repair
If the snubber assembly is mounted on the exterior of the housing, then inspection and replacement are simplified, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed with universal features that allow the snubber assembly to be easily attached and detached from the actuator housing. The frame incorporates standardized mounting interfaces that can accommodate different actuator types, reducing the complexity of the mounting structure while enabling simplified maintenance.
4Reliability
If snubber devices are continuously engaged, then they provide constant protection, but wear increases and longevity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The snubber assembly is designed to engage periodically only during uncontrolled operations or end-of-stroke events, rather than continuous engagement. The frame structure allows the snubber devices to remain compressed during normal operation, providing protection only when needed, which reduces wear and extends the longevity of the snubber assembly components.
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
Enables in situ inspection and replacement of snubber components, reduces wear on snubber assembly components by only energizing during uncontrolled operations, and allows for easy adaptation of energy absorbing devices to specific applications, improving maintenance efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the first frame part and the second frame part are moveable, such that the first frame part is moveable relative to the second frame part along the axis of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
configured to deform, thereby allowing the actuator rod to enter either the first end-of-stroke extension range or the second end-of-stroke extension range in the event of uncontrolled operation of the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
An actuator including a housing, an actuator rod and a snubber assembly. The actuator has an axis, the housing has a first end and an aperture positioned at the first end of the housing, and the actuator rod extends through the aperture along the axis of the actuator.The snubber assembly is mounted at the first end of the housing, and includes one or more energy absorbing devices. The snubber assembly is positioned on the housing such that an axis of each of the one or more energy absorbing devices is offset relative to the axis of the actuator.The snubber assembly is configured such that the one or more energy absorbing devices provide bidirectional end-of-stroke damping.