Telescopic Actuator Auxiliary Rod Locking via Rotating Bearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic actuators with main and auxiliary rods face complexity in controlling and braking the auxiliary rod, requiring specific motors for locking and releasing mechanisms, which increases weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

A simplified telescopic actuator design where the auxiliary rod's sliding is controlled through a rotating bearing with a blocking member that immobilizes the rotary bearing to lock or release the auxiliary rod, and passive magnetic braking means slow down the rotation of the rotating bearing, eliminating the need for a specific motor for these functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specific motors are used for locking and releasing the auxiliary rod, then the control function is reliable, but the weight and cost of the actuator increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidactuator weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the dedicated motor for locking and releasing the auxiliary rod. Instead, the control is achieved through a blocking member that can block or release the rotating bearing, which is driven by the auxiliary rod's own movement. This removes the unnecessary motor while maintaining reliable control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating bearing serves multiple functions: it enables the auxiliary rod to slide in and out of the main rod, and it provides the interface for the blocking member to control the locking and releasing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate motor dedicated solely to locking/releasing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specific motors are used for locking and releasing the auxiliary rod, then the control function is reliable, but the cost of the actuator increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the expensive motor with a simpler, less costly blocking member mechanism. The blocking member can be a relatively simple mechanical component that achieves the same control function at lower cost, aligning with the principle of using cheaper components when possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Power

If passive magnetic braking means are used, then the braking is proportional to the auxiliary rod's output speed, but the complexity of the braking mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking effectivenessVSAvoidbraking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces a potentially complex mechanical braking system with passive magnetic braking means. Magnetic braking provides speed-proportional braking force through magnetic fields without requiring complex mechanical linkages, actuators, or control systems, thus achieving effective braking while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive magnetic braking means automatically provides braking force proportional to the auxiliary rod's output speed without requiring external control or additional energy input. The braking effect is self-regulating based on the rod's movement speed, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces the actuator's weight and cost by simplifying the control and braking mechanisms, allowing for efficient operation without a dedicated motor for locking and releasing the auxiliary rod, while providing effective braking proportional to the auxiliary rod's output speed.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating bearing carried by the main rod or the auxiliary rod and cooperating respectively with the auxiliary or main rod according to a reversible helical connection, so that the rotating bearing rotates when the auxiliary rod slides in the main stem

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical connection: Screw

Implementation Method 2

passive magnetic braking means slow down the rotation of the rotating bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic braking: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2168867B1Telescopic actuator with a main rod and an auxiliary rod

Publication Date: 2012.06.13 SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

A telescopic actuator comprising a body (1) in which a main rod (2) slides along a sliding axis X between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuator further comprising an auxiliary rod (20) sliding within the main rod (2) between a retracted position and an extended position, and a rotating bearing (102) carried by the main rod (2) or the auxiliary rod (20) and cooperating respectively with the auxiliary rod (20) or main rod (2) via a reversible helical connection. The actuator includes means (112) for retaining the sliding of the auxiliary rod (20) comprising a locking member (116) arranged to act directly on the rotating bearing so as to control a locking or release of the rotation of the rotating bearing (102), the locking of the rotating bearing (102) resulting in the immobilization of the auxiliary rod (20) within the main rod (2).