Pneumatic Biasing Linear Actuator for Reducing Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical linear actuators in material forming machinery face challenges due to wear and fatigue from large forces and cyclical loading, limiting their use in applications requiring high compression loads and rapid cycle times, such as metal forming and cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically biasable mechanical linear actuator system that applies a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, reducing backlash and operating loads, and allowing for compact, modular, and controllable actuator design, using a pneumatic biasing arrangement with coaxially disposed cylinder elements to support operating loads and reduce the force required for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If mechanical linear actuators are used in material forming machinery, then the physical size is reduced and controllability is improved, but wear and fatigue from large forces and cyclical loading occur
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is divided into separate functional components: a mechanical actuator for precise positioning and control, and a pneumatic biasing mechanism for supporting loads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the mechanical actuator's burden while maintaining compact size and controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic biasing mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the mechanical actuator and the load. This pneumatic system acts as a mediator that supports the operating load through a biasing force, thereby reducing the force requirements on the mechanical actuator and minimizing wear and fatigue on its components.
2Force
If hydraulic actuators are used, then high operating forces are produced, but the physical size is large and auxiliary equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the load-supporting function traditionally performed by large hydraulic systems with a compact pneumatic biasing mechanism. By combining this pneumatic biasing system with a small mechanical actuator, the system achieves high operating forces without requiring the large physical size and auxiliary equipment of traditional hydraulic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure as the biasing force source, replacing traditional hydraulic systems. The pneumatic biasing mechanism generates sufficient force to support operating loads while occupying minimal space and requiring no complex auxiliary equipment such as large fluid tanks, pumps, or cooling devices.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical actuators are used, then fluid leakage problems are eliminated, but wear and fatigue from cyclical loading occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of force generation and load support. The mechanical actuator handles only positioning and control movements with minimal force requirements, while the pneumatic biasing mechanism handles the primary load support. This segmentation eliminates fluid leakage from mechanical components while significantly reducing wear and fatigue on the mechanical actuator through the pneumatic support.
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 solution enhances operational performance, reliability, and lifespan of mechanical linear actuators, enabling them to handle high forces and rapid cycles while minimizing the need for peripheral equipment and facilitating easy installation and replacement, thus improving efficiency and versatility in material forming machines.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic biasing arrangement operatively connected between the driving member and the driven member for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method and apparatus are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator, and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement between the driving member and the driven member of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving and driven members in extending and retracting the linear actuator. The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.