Mechanical Position Indicator With Adjustable Masked Stroke Limit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical position indicators for actuators in automation technology lack a well-defined actuation range, making it difficult to accurately interpret the actuation state due to variability in actuator types and applications.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical position indicator with a slidable mask that surrounds the indicating element, allowing for visual definition of the second limit, which varies with applications, ensuring clear representation of the actuation state.
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 mounting interface. The indicating element and mask assembly can accommodate various actuator configurations (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic) without requiring custom design for each type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The position indicator is divided into modular components: a fixed first limit, a movable indicating element, and an adjustable mask. This segmentation allows the mask to be independently positioned and fixed at different locations corresponding to application-specific second limits, enabling adaptability without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuation range limits are not well defined due to variability in applications, then the position indicator can be used across different applications, but the measurement precision and reliability of actuation state representation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed to be adjustable and fixable at different positions along the indicating element's path. This dynamic positioning capability allows the second limit to be precisely defined for each specific application, ensuring measurement precision while maintaining versatility across different actuation ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask can be pre-positioned and fixed at the appropriate second limit location before operation. This preliminary action ensures that the actuation range is clearly defined from the outset, preventing misinterpretation of the actuation state while allowing the same position indicator to be used across different applications by adjusting the mask position accordingly.
3Illumination intensity
If the spatial separation between limits and diameter of indicating element are increased for better visibility, then the visual clarity improves, but the device dimensions and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position indicator employs asymmetric color assignment where the indicating element and fixed background element use colors with significant angular distance on the color wheel (at least 60 degrees). This asymmetric color scheme maximizes visual contrast and perceptibility without requiring increased physical dimensions, thereby improving visibility while maintaining compact size.
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 clear and visually defined actuation range, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and enhancing the visibility and adaptability of the mechanical position indicator across different applications and actuators.
Implementation Method 1
said mask keeps its position due to friction or a fixation mechanism such as a screw mechanism or a latch mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical position indicator (100) for representing an actuation state of an actuator of automation technology, including an indicating element (110) for representing an actuation state, wherein the actuation state is represented by a linear position (113) of the indicating element. The linear position of the indicating element has a first limit (111) and a second limit (112), and the first limit is fixed. The mechanical position indicator has a slidable mask at least partially surrounding the indicating element in a cross section, and the mask is set up to indicate a position of the second limit.