Rotary Actuator Catcher Positioning for Shutter Gates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary actuators for shutters have high production costs due to numerous components and complex manufacturing processes, with adjustment of the catcher position being difficult and time-consuming after installation, and the toothing on the casing is costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
The design relocates the catcher outside the actuator casing, allowing for adjustment without disassembly, using through-openings in a cover that simplifies production and reduces components by integrating the catcher with a rotatable elongated element and tabs that can penetrate these openings, and connects the motor to the arm via an internal gear for compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the catcher is mounted inside the actuator casing with through-openings in the casing, then multiple positions can be ensured, but the production steps increase and the structure is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher is extracted from the interior of the actuator casing and mounted on the exterior surface of the cover. This eliminates the need for through-openings in the casing, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the ability to provide multiple positional settings through openings in the cover only.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is segmented into two parts: the cover with through-openings for positioning, and the casing without openings. This segmentation allows the cover to handle the complexity of multiple positions while the casing remains simple to manufacture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the catcher is fixed inside the actuator, then the structure is compact, but the adjustment of opening stop position becomes difficult after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher is taken out from the interior mounting location and placed on the exterior of the cover, making it accessible for adjustment without disassembling the actuator casing, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves as an intermediary element that provides a accessible interface for adjusting the catcher position without requiring access to the interior of the actuator casing. The through-openings in the cover mediate between the external adjustment mechanism and the internal arm movement.
3Reliability
If numerous components are used to ensure reliable shutter movement, then the actuator is more reliable, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover serves multiple functions: it protects the internal components, provides the mounting surface for the catcher, and includes the through-openings for positioning. By merging these functions into a single component, the number of parts is reduced while reliability is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a multi-functional element that combines protective, structural, and adjustment functions. This universality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable operation through its multiple roles.
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 solution reduces production costs, simplifies the adjustment of the opening stop position post-installation, and enhances reliability by allowing for multiple angular positions without altering the casing, while minimizing the number of components and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor and by a mechanical arm (or a bracket) kinematically connected to the output shaft of the motor
Implementation Method 2
connects the motor to the arm via an internal gear for compactness
Data Source
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AI summary
Electromechanical rotary actuator (52) for moving shutters (13) of gates or doors, comprising a motor enclosed in a casing (50), a rotating arm (56) connected to the motor for moving the shutter or swinging door, a movable catcher (72) for defining a stop of the rotating arm (56), a cover (58) over the rotation centre of the arm (56), characterised in that the catcher (72) is mounted outside the cover (58).