Mechanical Spring Actuator with Adjustable Load

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear actuators do not adequately adjust their actuation load based on the weight of the object they are moving or positioning, failing to consider the weight factor in their operation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical linear actuator design that includes a housing with a central cavity, a sliding tube, elongated rotatable screws, nuts, and a spring, allowing for adjustable actuation load based on object weight, with optional hydraulic components for force control and coulombic damping for speed regulation, along with a mechanical lock and adjustable locking collar for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing linear actuators are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the actuation load cannot be adjusted based on object weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation load adjustment capabilityVSAvoidactuator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the actuation load adjustable rather than fixed. The spring mechanism allows the actuator to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational requirements, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can respond to varying load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the actuator by incorporating a spring with specific stiffness characteristics. This allows the actuation load to be modified through parameter selection (spring stiffness, pre-compression) rather than requiring complete redesign of the actuator structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a spring mechanism is added to adjust actuation load, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanical component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides load adjustment, energy storage, and shock mitigation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving load adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded mechanism automatically adjusts to load conditions without requiring external control systems or additional actuators. The mechanical system self-regulates based on the applied load, eliminating the need for complex electronic controls or multiple adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If hydraulic components are added for force control, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hydraulic or electronic control systems with a purely mechanical spring-based force control mechanism. This substitution maintains positioning accuracy through mechanical means while significantly simplifying manufacturing requirements and eliminating the need for hydraulic fluids, pumps, or electronic controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 load adjustment and controlled motion based on object weight, improving positioning accuracy and shock mitigation in applications like aircraft and automotive seats, while allowing for flexible use in various mechanical systems.

Implementation Method 1

a spring positioned within the central cavity of the housing and around the second elongated rotatable screw between the second nut and the second end of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

potentially energy stored by the device and, consequently, control the speed of actuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical energy storage: Spring

Implementation Method 3

Devices without a hydraulic component can rely on coulombic damping, mechanical damping in which energy is absorbed via sliding friction, at, for example, the screw/nut interface to control the speed of actuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11649881B2Mechanical spring actuator

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 KYNTEC CORP

AI summary

A linear actuator comprising a housing with first and second ends, and defining a central cavity extending axially therethrough; a tube having first and second portions, the first portion arranged to slide within the central cavity of the housing, and the second portion extending outwardly from the second end of the housing; a first elongated rotatable screw positioned axially within the central cavity and coaxial with the tube; a first nut mounted about the first elongated rotatable screw and configured to move axially as the first elongated rotatable screw rotates; a second elongated rotatable screw positioned axially within the central cavity; a second nut mounted about the second elongated rotatable screw and configured to move axially within the central cavity as the second elongated rotatable screw rotates; and a spring positioned around the second elongated rotatable screw between the second nut and the second end of the housing.