Shared-Shaft Control of Multiple Eversion Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of using multiple linear actuators in applications requiring linear motion, as each actuator necessitates a separate motor and driver, leading to increased size and expense, particularly when numerous actuators are needed.

Innovation Solution

A system and method to control multiple eversion-based actuators using a single motor or no motor, employing an activation mechanism with a rotating shaft, clutch, brake, and pressure source for expansion, and a retraction mechanism with a rotating shaft, clutch, and passive retraction system for contraction, thereby reducing the number of motors required and minimizing size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple linear actuators are used to provide linear motion in different directions, then the required motion functionality is achieved, but the size, cost, and complexity increase due to each actuator requiring a separate motor and driver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single rotary actuator by combining multiple reel assemblies around a common drive shaft. This allows one motor to drive multiple linear actuators through differential winding of reels, reducing the number of motors and drivers from multiple to one, thereby achieving motion versatility while reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single rotary actuator with multiple reels serves multiple functions by providing linear motion in multiple directions simultaneously. Each reel can be independently controlled to extend or retract, enabling the system to achieve versatile motion capabilities while using a universal drive mechanism for all actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple linear actuators are used to provide linear motion, then the required motion functionality is achieved, but the overall size and cost increase due to multiple motors and drivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion functionalityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single compact rotary actuator assembly. By sharing a common motor, drive shaft, and housing among multiple reels, the overall system size is reduced compared to having separate linear actuators with individual motors and drivers for each actuator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple linear actuators are used to provide linear motion, then the required motion functionality is achieved, but the cost increases due to multiple motors and drivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single rotary actuator assembly. By sharing a common motor, drive shaft, and housing among multiple reels, the overall system size is reduced compared to having separate linear actuators with individual motors and drivers for each actuator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach allows for the efficient control of multiple eversion-based actuators, reducing the overall cost and complexity by minimizing the number of motors needed, while maintaining precise control over rotational motion, and enabling applications such as vacuum table conveyors and trenchless pipe repair.

Implementation Method 1

A pressurized chamber can be provided that includes an aperture to intake a fluid. An eversion-based actuator among the multiple eversion-based actuators can include a reel of material expandable upon intaking the fluid.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

A passive retraction system can be provided that exerts a retraction force on the reel of material. The retraction mechanism can cause the actuators to rewind and shorten.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS11939995B1Controlling multiple eversion-based actuators

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING INC

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.