Mechanical Position Indicator With Adjustable Masked Travel Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical position indicators for actuators in automation technology are not well-defined, as their actuation range varies based on the application and actuator type, leading to potential misinterpretation of the actuation state.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical position indicator with a slidable mask that defines the actuation range visually, featuring a fixed first limit and a second limit that can be adjusted to the specific application, using a friction or fixation mechanism, and adaptable planetary gear stages to ensure clear visibility and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical position indicator is adapted to each type of actuator with different drives and gear sets, then the actuator can be customized for specific applications, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal position indicator design that can be applied to different actuator types through a standardized interface. The indicating element with fixed first limit and adjustable second limit creates a common framework that works across various actuator configurations, eliminating the need for completely custom designs for each actuator type while maintaining adaptability through the adjustable mask mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The position indicator is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed first limit, an adjustable second limit via slidable mask, and an indicating element. This segmentation allows the same base structure to be used across different actuator types, with only the mask position needing adjustment to accommodate different actuation ranges, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the actuation range limits are not well defined, then the position indicator can be simpler, but the measurement precision and reliability of actuation state indication deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The second limit is implemented as a dynamic, adjustable parameter through a slidable mask rather than a fixed structure. This allows the limit to be adapted to different actuation ranges while maintaining precise visual definition. The mask can be positioned and fixed at various locations along the indicating element's travel path, providing measurement precision without requiring a completely different design for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The slidable mask acts as an intermediary element between the indicating element and the observer. It provides a clear visual reference for the second limit by partially surrounding the indicating element, enhancing the precision of actuation range definition without adding significant complexity to the overall mechanism.
3Illumination intensity
If the spatial separation between limits is increased to at least 10 cm, then the visibility of the position indicator is improved, but the device dimensions and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The visibility enhancement is achieved through local quality improvements rather than simply increasing overall size. The indicating element uses contrasting colors (first color for the element, second color for the background) to create visual distinction. The slidable mask also provides local visual enhancement by partially surrounding the indicating element, making the second limit clearly visible without requiring proportional increases in all dimensions.
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 provides a well-defined and visually clear actuation range, ensuring accurate interpretation of the actuation state and adaptability to different applications and actuators, enhancing control and visibility for operators.
Implementation Method 1
said mask keeps its position due to friction
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Mechanical position indicator (100) for representing an actuation state of an actuator of automation technology, comprising: an indicating element (110) for representing said actuation state; wherein said actuation state is represented by a linear position (113) of said indicating element, wherein said linear position of said indicating element has a first limit (111) and a second limit (112), wherein said first limit is fix, wherein the mechanical position indicator comprises a slidable mask at least partially surrounding said indicating element in a cross section, wherein the mask is set up to indicate a position of said second limit.