Rotatable Linear Actuator for 360-Degree Shaft Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators are not easily adaptable for rotations beyond 180 degrees, particularly in applications requiring 360-degree rotations, due to design limitations and wiring constraints, which hampers flexibility and precision in manufacturing and quality control processes.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable linear actuator design incorporating a drive shaft with permanent magnets and electric coils, allowing for both linear and rotational movement, enabling the actuator to be scaled for various applications without complex designs, and facilitating the integration into gripping devices for precise object handling and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linear actuator is designed to accommodate large rotations (360 degrees or multiple rotations), then the rotation capability is improved, but the wiring complexity and design complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring systems with wireless communication technology. The linear actuator incorporates a wireless module that communicates with a control system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for complex rotating wiring mechanisms. This allows the actuator to achieve full 360-degree rotation and multiple rotations without the wiring complexity that would normally constrain rotational movement.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable linear actuator is designed for gripping devices, then the flexibility and precision for object handling is improved, but the overall size and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated linear actuator design. The actuator combines linear motion capability, rotational capability, and wireless control functionality into one compact unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate wiring systems, rotation mechanisms, and control hardware, thereby reducing overall design complexity while maintaining flexibility and precision for gripping device applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with wireless communication technology. The linear actuator incorporates a wireless module that receives control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wiring and mechanical connection systems. This substitution significantly simplifies the overall design while enabling precise control for object handling operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional linear actuators are used in conveying systems, then the system is simpler, but the ability to rotate objects beyond 180 degrees is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired control systems with wireless communication technology, enabling the linear actuator to achieve unrestricted rotational movement. The wireless module allows the actuator to receive continuous control signals during rotation, facilitating rotation beyond 180 degrees and even multiple 360-degree rotations without the mechanical constraints of wired systems.
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 rotatable linear actuator provides a compact and simplified solution for applications requiring both linear and rotational actuation, enhancing flexibility and precision in manufacturing and quality control processes, especially for objects that need to be rotated beyond 180 degrees, such as in gripping devices used in conveying systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electric coils disposed within the actuator body around the one or more permanent magnets and configured to receive an electric current that interacts with a magnetic field of the one or more permanent magnets to generate an axial force to linearly actuate the drive shaft
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A rotatable linear actuator comprises an actuator body; a drive shaft arranged within the actuator body, the drive shaft having a longitudinal axis and configured to be linearly actuated along and rotatable around the longitudinal axis within the actuator body, wherein the drive shaft is configured to be coupled at a first end thereof to a linearly actuated component that is configured to receive linear and rotational movement; one or more permanent magnets coupled to the drive shaft and magnetized in a radial direction about the longitudinal axis; and one or more electric coils disposed within the actuator body around the one or more permanent magnets and configured to receive an electric current that interacts with a magnetic field of the one or more permanent magnets to generate an axial force to linearly actuate the drive shaft. Accordingly, the drive shaft is rotatable while being linearly actuated.