On-Axis Actuator Bracket and Roller Layout to Minimize Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actuating rods in rotating systems often experience inefficiencies due to off-axis forces, leading to friction, binding, and increased complexity, particularly in applications where only on-axis forces are desired to minimize weight, size, friction, and cost.
Innovation Solution
An on-axis actuator system featuring an actuator bracket with coupled open and close rollers, driven pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanically, where the actuator member moves within an actuator housing to apply only on-axis forces, utilizing chambers filled with working fluid and threaded components for efficient rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actuating rods are used in rotating systems, then rotation can be achieved, but off-axis forces cause friction, binding, and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the off-axis force component by reconfiguring the actuator architecture. The actuating rod is replaced with a system where force is applied purely along the axis of rotation through a combination of actuator member, link, and roller arrangement, removing the source of friction and binding while maintaining rotational capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying force directly to rotate the body (which creates off-axis moments), the invention inverts the approach by using a roller that contacts the rotating body and is driven by an actuating link. The force is applied through the roller contact point in such a way that it creates pure on-axis compression in the actuating rod, eliminating side loads while achieving the same rotational effect
2Ease of operation
If bearings, levers, and complex geometry are used to minimize off-axis load inefficiencies, then friction and binding are reduced, but weight, size, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller serves a dual function: it acts as both the actuating element that drives rotation and as the bearing surface that supports the rotating body. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate bearing components while maintaining low friction operation, thereby reducing overall weight and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating link is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits the actuating force, guides the roller motion, and maintains the geometric relationship between the actuator member and the rotating body. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering weight and complexity while maintaining operational efficiency
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 on-axis actuator system effectively minimizes inefficiencies by ensuring only on-axis forces are applied, reducing friction and complexity, while allowing for efficient operation and design optimization in rotating systems.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator housing is formed with first and second chambers that are filled with working fluid to move the actuator member and attached piston
Implementation Method 2
an actuator housing is formed with first and second chambers that are filled with working fluid to move the actuator member and attached piston
Implementation Method 3
the actuator housing and actuator member are formed with threads such that rotating the actuator member moves the actuator member
Implementation Method 4
Moving the actuator member towards the actuator bracket presses the close roller against the bracket to rotate the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
On-axis actuator system includes an actuator bracket formed with at least one bracket cavity. Actuator links couple open and close rollers. An actuator member coupled to close roller and disposed within an actuator housing. Moving the actuator member towards the actuator bracket presses the close roller against the bracket to rotate the bracket. A device coupled to the bracket rotates with the bracket.