Rotary Actuator Lock Release Structure to Prevent Unintended Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary actuators for industrial robots face issues with unintended regulation release due to exposed plunger ends, leading to potential unexpected motor driving and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A rotary actuator design where the plunger end of the solenoid is positioned inside the case body, with a through hole allowing external access for regulation release, enhancing safety and preventing unintended contact, and using a columnar regulating member with a uniform cross-sectional shape to reduce surface pressure and wear on fixed members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plunger end is exposed outside the case body for easy regulation release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintended regulation release and unexpected motor driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary between the external environment and the plunger. This elastic member allows external force to be transmitted for regulation release while preventing direct exposure of the plunger, thus mediating between ease of operation and reliability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastic member (flexible element) to cover the plunger end, allowing it to deform under external force for operation while maintaining protection when not in use. This flexible covering enables the plunger to be pressed from outside without being permanently exposed
2Reliability
If the plunger is positioned inside the case body to prevent unintended contact, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as regulation release becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member serves as a mediator that transmits external force to the plunger without requiring direct access. This allows the plunger to remain protected inside while still enabling operation through the elastic member's deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is nested within the case body and accessed through the elastic member. This nested configuration allows the plunger to be hidden inside while still being operable from the outside through the flexible covering
3Device complexity
If a conventional regulating member is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of substance increases due to wear on fixed members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the regulating member by providing inclined surfaces instead of conventional flat or curved surfaces. This parameter change reduces the contact area and pressure on fixed members, thereby reducing wear while maintaining structural simplicity
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 allows for reliable regulation release from outside the case body while preventing unintended motor operation, reducing wear and manufacturing costs, and improving positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid configured to move the regulating member toward the regulation release position
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a rotary actuator which makes it possible to operate a regulation release of a regulating member from the outside of a case body when the regulating member is in a regulation position, and can prevent an unexpected regulation release, and a robot. A drive mechanism of a joint part has a compression coil spring for biasing a regulation pin toward a regulation position, and a solenoid for moving the regulation pin 32 toward a regulation release position. A through hole is formed in a case body at a portion facing the upper end portion (the other end portion opposite to one end portion abutting against the regulation pin) of a plunger of the solenoid, and the upper end portion of the plunger is positioned on the inside of the case body while the regulation pin is in the regulation position.