Rotary Drive Functional Module Axial Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary drives face challenges in achieving a compact and practical design, particularly when integrated with valve fittings, as they often require additional installation space and complex fastening systems, which can limit their use in space-constrained applications.

Innovation Solution

The design extends the housing of the rotary drive in the axial direction by attaching a functional module arrangement to the end face, which includes an electronic and/or control valve arrangement, using existing fastening sections to secure it, thereby increasing installation space without increasing overall height or width, and ensuring a pressure-tight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are attached laterally to the housing, then the rotary drive can accommodate additional components, but the overall width and height increase, reducing compactness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate functional modulesVSAvoidinstallation footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from lateral attachment of functional modules to axial attachment at the end face of the housing. This dimensional change allows functional modules to be arranged in the axial direction rather than increasing the lateral footprint, thereby maintaining compactness while accommodating additional components.

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

2Reliability

If additional fastening sections are provided for attaching functional modules, then secure attachment is achieved, but the housing becomes more complex and requires additional cleaning considerations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing cover is designed with fastening sections that serve dual purposes: securing the housing cover itself and attaching functional modules to the end face. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fastening structures, reducing housing complexity while maintaining secure attachment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the housing is extended axially to accommodate functional modules, then installation space is optimized for vertical mounting, but the piston chamber volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidpiston chamber volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The functional modules are designed to attach to the end face within the existing housing envelope, with the piston chamber extending into the functional module arrangement. This nesting approach allows the piston chamber to utilize space within the functional module volume rather than requiring additional external space, optimizing installation convenience without proportionally increasing overall volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3271592B1Rotary drive with functional module arrangement
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP3271592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3271592B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3271592B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid-actuated rotary drive (10, 20) comprising a housing (1) which is designed as a tubular body and which has a piston chamber (11) extending in an axial direction (26) of the housing. A drive piston arrangement (19) for driving a rotatably mounted output shaft (6) is movably guided in the piston chamber. The housing has an end face (3) at an axial end (2), said end face being open towards the piston chamber and comprising at least one securing portion (5) that is suitable for attaching a housing cover. The rotary drive also comprises a functional module arrangement (7) which comprises an electronic arrangement for monitoring, controlling, and/or regulating the rotary drive and/or a control valve arrangement for actuating the rotary drive. The invention is characterized in that the functional module arrangement is placed on the end face and is secured by means of the at least one securing portion.