Spherical-Joint Linear Actuator for Misalignment Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear actuators are susceptible to misalignment and stress due to external structural shifts, leading to operational inefficiency and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design incorporating a spherical joint oriented parallel to the translating component, allowing for passive adjustment to external forces and maintaining internal alignment through a hollow channel configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linear actuator is attached to an external structure that shifts or moves, then the actuator can perform its actuation function, but the external structure's movement causes bending or twisting loads that lead to misalignment and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical joint at the actuator's connection point to the external structure. This spherical geometry allows the joint to accommodate angular misalignment and positional shifts in multiple directions, absorbing the bending and twisting loads that would otherwise be transmitted to the internal components. The spherical shape provides rotational freedom while maintaining structural connection, thereby preserving internal alignment despite external movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical joint changes the degrees of freedom parameter of the connection, allowing movement in spherical coordinates rather than constraining linear alignment. This parameter change enables the connection point to adapt to external structure movement by rotating and repositioning within the spherical envelope, preventing the transmission of misalignment-inducing loads to internal components.
2Productivity
If the linear actuator maintains rigid internal component alignment, then operational efficiency is maximized, but the actuator becomes susceptible to stress and damage when external structures shift
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint serves as an intermediary element between the external structure and the actuator's internal components. It mediates the interaction by absorbing and isolating the harmful bending and twisting loads, allowing the internal components to maintain their rigid alignment for efficient operation while the external structure experiences movement or shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is segmented into a rigid internal mechanism for efficient force transmission and a flexible spherical joint for load isolation. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to perform different functions: the internal components maintain precise alignment for productivity, while the spherical joint absorbs external disturbances.
3Ease of manufacture
If the linear actuator uses traditional fixed alignment components, then manufacturing is simpler, but misalignment leads to added load and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint, while slightly more complex than traditional fixed alignment components, provides a standardized geometric solution that is relatively easy to manufacture using conventional machining processes. The spherical geometry allows for simple bearing assemblies and mounting interfaces, and the increased service life achieved by preventing misalignment-related damage and wear far outweighs the modest increase in manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a linear actuator with a spherical joint. The spherical joint can provide a capacity for rotational adjustments between the linear actuator and an external structure to which the linear actuator is coupled by the spherical joint. The spherical joint can prevent external forces from entering the linear actuator and/or prevent misalignment between components of the linear actuator when external structures move or shift. The spherical joint can be configured so that it is parallel to a translating component of the linear actuator. For example, an axis of a hollow channel within the spherical joint can be parallel to and/or coincident with an axis of the translating component. The translating component may pass through the hollow channel of the spherical joint when actuated.