Electromechanical Actuator Layout With Radial Slide Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromechanical actuators for hydraulic valve control sliders have a large size due to the arrangement of the rotor and stator, which limits their scalability for higher performance requirements.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a stator with a recess allowing the slider element to protrude radially, enabling a compact actuator structure with a rotational-asymmetrical stator and a rotation-symmetrical rotor, and utilizing a planetary gear or head gear to achieve a compact and scalable actuator with increased power density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the motor is positioned offset rearward or above the slide in conventional arrangements, then the actuator can meet force and stroke requirements, but the size of the actuator increases disproportionately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce requirementVSAvoidactuator size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The slide element is positioned inside the stator's recess, with the rotor nested within the stator. This nested arrangement allows the moving components to be contained within the stationary structure, significantly reducing the overall actuator size while maintaining the required stroke and force capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional linear arrangements to a radial configuration where the slide element moves radially within the stator's recess. This dimensional change allows the stroke to occur within the stator's internal volume rather than requiring external space, reducing the actuator's overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional elongated or vertical arrangements are used, then the motor can be positioned to provide required motion, but the actuator size increases and scalability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidactuator size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The compact nested structure allows the actuator to be scaled down for smaller applications while maintaining the same fundamental design. The rotor and slide element fit within the stator's recess, creating a scalable modular design that can be adapted to different force and stroke requirements without proportionally increasing size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator design allows for parameter changes in force and stroke requirements while maintaining a compact form factor. By adjusting the motor's torque and the gear ratio, the same basic structure can meet different performance requirements without requiring a complete redesign or significant size increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design reduces the size of the actuator while enhancing its scalability and power density, allowing it to meet higher performance demands in smaller spaces.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator comprises a rotor, a stator and at least one slide element (5)... The rotor (2) and stator (3) form an axial flux machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4502397A1Electromechanical actuator and actuator-valve unit
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 THOMAS SA
  • EP4502397A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4502397A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4502397A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromechanical actuator (1) comprising a rotor (2); a stator (3) having a recess (4); and at least one sliding element (5) which is operatively connected to the rotor (2) and is moved by a rotation of the rotor (2), wherein the sliding element (5) projects at least partially into the recess (4) along a radial direction (6) of the stator (3) during operation and/or at rest of the actuator (1). The invention further relates to an actuator-valve unit (100) comprising a valve (101) and the electromechanical actuator (1).