Shared-Motor Control for Multiple Eversion-Based Actuators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators require multiple motors, increasing size and cost when multiple actuators are employed, and existing eversion-based actuators face challenges in cost and complexity due to the need for individual motor control.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to control multiple eversion-based actuators using a single motor or no motor, employing activation and retraction mechanisms with a rotating shaft, clutch, brake, and pressure sources to manage the extension and retraction of actuators, reducing the need for individual motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple individual motors are used to control multiple linear actuators, then each actuator can be independently controlled, but the overall size and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator control functions into a single motor system. The first and second actuators are both driven by the same first motor through a shared transmission mechanism, eliminating the need for separate motors for each actuator. This merging approach reduces overall system size and cost while maintaining independent control capability through selective engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single first motor serves multiple functions by controlling both the first actuator and the second actuator. The motor is designed to provide rotational motion that can be distributed to different actuators as needed, making it a universal driving source that replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized motors.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed here is a system and method to control multiple eversion-based actuators using a single motor, or no motor, thereby reducing the size and cost of the multiple eversion-based actuators. An activation mechanism can include a motor rotating in an expansion direction, rotating shaft, clutch, brake, pressure source under high pressure, and/or valve. The activation mechanism can cause the actuators including a wound reel of material to unwind and lengthen. A retraction mechanism can include a motor rotating in a contraction direction opposite the expansion direction, rotating shaft, clutch, pressure source having low pressure, valve associated with the pressure source, and/or the passive retraction system. The retraction mechanism can cause the actuators to rewind and shorten.