Spindle Limit Switch Gear for Adjustable End Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear motion devices lack the ability to adjust the end position of components, such as flaps or containers, leading to incomplete movements or incorrect angles, necessitating precise distance settings by users.

Innovation Solution

A linear motion device with a limit switch device comprising a gear, adjusting element, triggering device, and trigger, allowing external adjustment of the travel length by rotating an adjusting element with a drive, such as a hexagon socket, to precisely control the end position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If no adjustment mechanism is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the end position of components cannot be adjusted leading to incomplete movements or incorrect angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of end positionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting element is integrated within the limit switch device housing, with the gear mechanism nested inside the same structural envelope. This allows the adjustment functionality to be added without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or structural complexity, as the new components are nested within existing structural boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A gear mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the adjusting element and the triggering device. This gear serves as a mediator that translates rotational adjustment of the adjusting element into precise angular positioning of the triggering device, thereby enabling accurate end position adjustment while maintaining a simple operational interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If adjustment mechanism is added, then end position can be adjusted precisely, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of end position settingVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic positioning systems with a simple mechanical gear-based adjustment mechanism. The gear mechanism provides precise angular positioning through pure mechanical means, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, motors, or control systems while achieving the required precision for end position setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting element is designed to be manually operable from the outside of the device housing, allowing users to perform adjustment operations themselves without requiring disassembly or specialized tools. The gear mechanism automatically translates this manual input into precise positioning of the triggering device, making the system self-adjusting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If external adjustment is enabled, then user can independently adjust end position, but access to adjustment mechanism becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidaccess mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting element is extracted from the internal mechanism and positioned such that it protrudes through the housing or is accessible through an opening in the housing. This allows the adjustment function to be accessed from the outside without requiring disassembly of the device, while the gear mechanism and other internal components remain enclosed, maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The limit switch device housing serves multiple functions: it encloses and protects the internal switching mechanism, provides structural mounting for the limit switch, and simultaneously serves as the interface for external adjustment through the adjusting element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment access mechanisms.

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

Enables easy and precise adjustment of the end position of components, ensuring complete movements and correct angles without requiring special tools, and supports multiple position settings for varied applications.

Implementation Method 1

the limit switch device (1) comprises a gear (2, 3, 4) with at least one adjusting element (8, 9), with at least one triggering device (3, 4), comprising a trigger (3a, 4a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4582718A1Linear movement device
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 PHOENIX MECANO SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP4582718A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4582718A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4582718A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A linear motion device is specified, comprising an electric motor, a motor shaft extending from the electric motor, a rotatably mounted spindle driven by the motor shaft, a spindle nut mounted on the spindle, mounted in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner, and a limit switch device (1) which, when triggered, switches the power supply of the electric motor on and off. This device enables a user to adjust/finely adjust the end position of the spindle and thus to adjust the travel length of a component/container connectable to the linear motion device in that the limit switch device (1) comprises a gear with at least one adjusting element (8, 9) and with at least one triggering device (3, 4), comprising triggers (3a, 4a), and at least one limit switch (5, 6), that the limit switch (5, 6) can be switched on or off by the triggers (3a, 4a), and that the adjusting element (8,9) is adjustable from the outside with respect to the triggering device (3, 4) in such a way that the trigger (3a, 3b) predetermines the travel length of the spindle nut.,