Linear Stepper Motor Actuating Rod with Replaceable Coupling Shank
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear stepper motors face challenges in replacing the actuating rod and coupling shank, making it difficult to adapt to customer-specific applications and extending the motor's service life.
Innovation Solution
A linear stepper motor design featuring a two-part actuating rod with fork legs and a coupling shank that can be easily assembled and locked in a non-axial direction, using a bearing shield with guide cut-outs and a dovetail press fit for secure attachment, and made from thermoplastic material for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the actuating rod and coupling shank are made as integrated components in conventional linear stepper motors, then the structural integrity and stability are improved, but the adaptability and ease of replacement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating rod is divided into multiple separable components: a spindle nut portion, fork legs, and a coupling shank. These segments can be independently replaced or customized while maintaining structural integrity through precise mechanical connections. The bearing shield is also segmented into multiple parts that can be assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork legs are inserted through guide cut-outs in the bearing shield, creating a nested arrangement where components fit within each other. The coupling shank is radially plugged onto the fork legs, forming another nested connection. This nesting provides secure attachment while allowing easy disassembly and replacement.
2Reliability
If the actuating rod components are securely locked in conventional designs, then the reliability under load is improved, but the ease of assembly and replacement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complex tools or procedures to secure components, the design uses simple radial plug-on connections that can be assembled and disassembled without tools. The fork legs pass through guide cut-outs and are secured by elastic deformable zones that provide automatic locking through material elasticity, reversing the typical approach where more secure connections require more complex assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformable zones in the coupling shank automatically engage with the fork legs through permanent mechanical preloading, creating a self-securing connection that does not require external fastening elements or complex assembly procedures. The components self-lock through their own elastic properties.
3Manufacturing precision
If the bearing shield is constructed as a single-piece component, then the manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but the adaptability for different applications is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing shield is divided into multiple complementary segments that can be assembled together. Each segment can be manufactured with high precision independently, and the segments are joined to form the complete bearing shield with guide cut-outs. This segmentation allows the same basic segments to be configured for different applications by assembling them in various ways or modifying individual segments.
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 design enhances the service life of the linear stepper motor by allowing for easy customization and secure attachment of components, ensuring stable operation under tensile and thrust forces, and facilitating tool-less assembly and replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor comprises a threaded shaft, the actuating rod comprises a spindle nut portion engaged with the threaded shaft
Implementation Method 2
two opposing parallel fork legs which link the spindle nut portion and the coupling shank and which are guided in a rotation-locked manner through the two guide cut-outs
Implementation Method 3
a bearing bridge forming a bearing seat for the threaded shaft
Implementation Method 4
The coupling shank has elastically deformable zones in the area of the hook-shaped contours of the fork legs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A linear stepper motor (100) with an actuating rod (5) in a housing with a stator (1), a rotor (102) and a replaceable bearing shield (2) fixed on the stator (1) is provided. The rotor (102) includes a threaded shaft (103). The bearing shield (2) defines two guide cut-outs (7). The actuating rod (5) includes a spindle nut portion (9) engaged with the threaded shaft (103), a replaceable coupling shank (8) for a customer-specific actuating element, and two opposing parallel fork legs (6) which link the spindle nut portion and the coupling shank (8) and which are guided in a rotation-locked manner through the two guide cut-outs (7). The bearing shield (2) and the coupling shank (8) are easy to be replaced, thereby prolonging the service life of the linear stepper motor (100).