Segmented Linear Actuator Housing for Simplified Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modular linear actuators become complex due to multiple interacting parts, making assembly and protection from environmental influences challenging, and existing solutions lack simplicity and efficiency in design.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator with a housing composed of two separable parts forming multiple cavities to house and securely position components without additional fastening means, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced part count, enabling high-volume production and easy integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular linear actuators use multiple interacting parts to achieve flexibility and adaptability, then the actuator can be adapted to a plurality of different tasks, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing part and a second housing part that can be separated from each other, allowing the actuator components to be segmented and assembled in a simplified manner while maintaining adaptability for different tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure with separable parts and multiple cavities serves multiple functions: it houses different actuator components, provides protection from environmental influences, and enables simplified assembly and disassembly for maintenance or reconfiguration, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If modular linear actuators include multiple components such as ball screw mechanisms, bearings, and protection housings, then the actuator functionality is enhanced, but the assembly process becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple housing functions are merged into a single integrated housing structure with separable parts, combining component mounting, protection, and assembly guidance into one element, thereby reducing the number of separate assembly operations and time required
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts are designed with pre-formed cavities and integrated features that guide component placement and secure mounting beforehand, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations and reducing assembly time while maintaining component reliability
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional fastening means are used to secure components in the housing, then the component positioning is more secure, but the part count increases and production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure integrates multiple functions including component mounting and securing features into a single element, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing the overall part count while maintaining secure component positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features where components are automatically positioned and retained through the housing geometry itself, without requiring additional fastening means, thereby reducing part count and production cost
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is designed as a single complex piece to protect all components, then protection from environmental influences is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into separable parts that can be manufactured independently using simpler processes, then assembled to provide complete protection, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining protection from environmental influences
Solution Approach 2:
The separable housing structure provides multiple benefits: it protects components from environmental influences, simplifies manufacturing and assembly, and enables easy access for maintenance or reconfiguration, achieving protection without sacrificing ease of manufacture
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 solution simplifies the assembly and operation of linear actuators by securely housing components within the actuator's cavities, reducing complexity and environmental vulnerability, while enabling efficient and cost-effective production and use.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating mechanism (2) at least partially arranged in said housing (8), the actuating mechanism (2) including a spindle (3) and a nut (5) and being configured to convert a rotational motion into a translational motion
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator, a housing for such a linear actuator, an actuation system, and a method for assembling a linear actuator. The linear actuator has an actuating mechanism and a housing. The actuating mechanism includes a spindle and a nut and it is configured to convert rotational motion into translational motion. The housing has two housing parts and the actuating mechanism is at least partially arranged in the housing. The two housing parts form a plurality of separate cavities that are configured to receive separate components of the linear actuator, in particular of the actuating mechanism.