Pulley Actuator with Integrated Rope for Simplified Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulley actuators for long-travel applications, such as hospital bed lifting mechanisms, are cumbersome due to the need for separate installation and adjustment of ropes and complex disassembly for maintenance, making them inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A pulley actuator design featuring a motor, a guide rod with integrated pulleys, a telescoping tube assembly, and a flexible rope with adjustable ends, allowing for simplified assembly, easy maintenance, and travel adjustment through a coupling mechanism and pressing block for secure rope fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two pulleys and two ropes are employed for transmission, then the transmission function is achieved, but the installation and adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate ropes into a single integrated rope structure that passes through both pulleys. The rope is configured to extend from the first pulley, pass through the second pulley, and return to connect to the first pulley, creating a unified transmission path that simplifies installation while maintaining the mechanical advantage of the pulley system
Solution Approach 2:
The single rope serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits force through the first pulley, engages with the second pulley for additional mechanical advantage, and provides a unified attachment point for the load. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate rope installation and adjustment procedures
2Ease of repair
If multiple tubes and components are successively detached for disassembly, then complete disassembly is achieved, but the maintenance time and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into modular segments including the motor assembly, pulley assembly, tube assembly, and rope assembly. Each segment can be independently accessed and serviced, allowing maintenance personnel to work on specific components without completely disassembling the entire mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The tube assembly incorporates telescopic or expandable sections that allow for dynamic access to internal components. The tubes can be expanded or separated to provide clearance for maintenance operations, then easily reconnected afterward, significantly reducing maintenance time
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tubes are fixedly coupled or welded to the bed/table, then structural stability is achieved, but the adjustment flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube assembly is designed with adjustable coupling mechanisms that allow the tubes to be dynamically repositioned along the bed or table structure. The tubes can be locked at various positions to maintain stability during operation, but can also be easily repositioned when travel adjustment is needed, providing both stability and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism allows for parameter changes in the tube positioning, enabling the actuator to be adjusted to different travel distances and configurations. The tubes can be moved to different locations and secured at various angles or positions, adapting to different application requirements while maintaining structural integrity
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 design simplifies assembly and maintenance, enhances user convenience, and facilitates easy travel adjustments while ensuring reliable operation by integrating pulleys and a flexible rope within a compact and adjustable structure.
Implementation Method 1
transmit the rotational force to a screw 13 so that the rotating screw 13 is enabled to stretch or retract a guide rod 14 coupled therewith
Implementation Method 2
A first pulley 141 is provided at a distal end of the guide rod 14. A first rope 142 has one end fixed to the reducing mechanism 12 while having an opposite end mounted around the first pulley 141
Data Source
AI summary
A pulley actuator implements a motor to drive a screw and a guide rod to relatively expand or retract while utilizing one flexible rope and two pulleys to drive three telescoped tubes to relatively expand or retract move correspondingly. The pulley actuator has a simplified structure as compared with the known devices and is easy to fabricate.