Plastic Hollow Spindle for Linear Actuator Weight and Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spindle systems for linear actuators, particularly in telescopic lifting columns of height-adjustable furniture legs, face challenges related to high weight and cost due to the use of metallic hollow spindles.
Innovation Solution
The improved spindle concept utilizes a plastic hollow spindle, designed using advanced injection molding techniques, which reduces weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary strength and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic hollow spindles are used in conventional spindle systems, then strength and structural integrity are ensured, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from metallic to plastic material for the hollow spindle, fundamentally changing the material parameters while maintaining structural integrity through optimized geometric parameters and reinforcement features integrated into the plastic construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining plastic with integrated reinforcement structures and bearing elements, creating a composite construction that achieves metallic-level strength while maintaining the weight advantages of plastic materials
2Stability of the object's composition
If metallic hollow spindles are used in conventional spindle systems, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrated plastic hollow spindle structure, combining the spindle body, bearing seats, reinforcement elements, and mounting features into one monolithic component manufactured via injection molding, thereby reducing assembly costs and improving manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adopting plastic as the base material and optimizing manufacturing parameters for injection molding processes, enabling cost-effective production while maintaining structural integrity through carefully controlled material and geometric parameters
3Weight of moving object
If the hollow spindle diameter is reduced to decrease weight, then weight is reduced, but strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing localized reinforcement features at critical stress points within the hollow spindle structure, allowing the overall diameter to be reduced for weight savings while maintaining strength where it is most needed through strategically placed ribs, flanges, and bearing support features
Data Source
AI summary
In a spindle system with a hollow spindle for a linear actuator, the linear actuator has a telescopic tube system including an outer tube and at least one inner tube arranged coaxially with the outer tube and at least partially surrounded by the outer tube. A bearing is arranged to transmit axial forces between the hollow spindle and the outer tube. The hollow spindle at least partially surrounds an inner shaft of the spindle system and is connected to the inner shaft of the spindle system by one or more tappets of a positive and axially displaceable shaft-hub connection. The hollow spindle has a bearing seat for the bearing and an external thread on an outer side.