Rotary Actuator Deformable Control Element Design Freedom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turntables used in motor vehicles are limited by rigid designs and complex structures, restricting design freedom and being costly due to separate kinematics for each type of actuation.

Innovation Solution

A turntable with a dimensionally stable central element and an endless, deformable control element that adapts its inner contour to the outer contour, allowing for high design freedom and simplified production, featuring a chain or belt-like control element with sensors for movement detection and optional magnetic or signal-transmitting components for feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid ring or rigid element is used for the control element, then structural stability is improved, but design freedom is restricted due to limited contour adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddesign freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control element transitions from a rigid structure to a deformable structure that can dynamically adapt its shape. The control element is designed to be deformable in at least one direction, allowing it to conform to different outer contours of the central element while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control element is designed as a deformable structure that can flex and adapt its contour. This flexible design allows the control element to wrap around and conform to various shapes of the central element's outer contour, enabling diverse design configurations without requiring completely rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate kinematics are provided for each type of actuation, then actuation functionality is improved, but device complexity increases and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single control element is designed to perform multiple actuation functions. The deformable control element can be moved in the circumferential direction about the central axis and also deformed in other directions, allowing one element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate kinematic mechanisms for different types of actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple actuation functions are merged into a single control element. The control element combines circumferential movement capability with deformation capability, integrating what would traditionally be separate kinematic systems into one unified component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the control element is made deformable to adapt to central element contours, then design freedom is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontour adaptabilityVSAvoidcontour matching precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control element's deformability allows it to dynamically adapt to the central element's outer contour during operation. This dynamic adaptation capability reduces the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the control element can flex to accommodate variations in the central element's shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control element's physical parameters (shape, contour) can change during operation to match the central element's outer contour. This parameter variability allows the system to achieve precise contour matching through operational adjustment rather than requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of both components.

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

Enables a high degree of design flexibility while reducing production complexity and costs, allowing for efficient operation with reduced kinematic requirements and enhanced feedback mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor for detecting a movement of the control element relative to the central element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4130926A1Rotary actuator

Publication Date: 2023.02.08 MARQUARDT GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a rotary actuator (1) with a dimensionally stable central element (10) having a central axis (X), an endless control element (20) movable in the circumferential direction (U) relative to the central element (10) about the central axis (X), and at least one sensor (30, 31) for detecting a movement of the control element (20) relative to the central element (10), wherein the control element (20) completely revolves around the central element (10) in the circumferential direction (U) following an outer contour of the central element (10), and wherein the endless control element (20) is deformable at least in a direction (Y) orthogonal to the central axis (X) and is designed to adapt its inner contour to the outer contour of the central element (10).