Three-Surface Guide Actuator With Magnetic Preload Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing cost of gas pressure actuators is high due to complex assembly and adjustment requirements, and the structure with a guide shaft restrained by four surfaces complicates the design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified actuator design where the slider is guided by a guide with a recessed cross-section, restrained by three surfaces, and equipped with a magnet preloading mechanism for enhanced bearing rigidity, allowing for a more straightforward structure and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the guide shaft is restrained by four surfaces, then the slider is guided stably, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one surface from the four-surface restraint configuration, transitioning to a three-surface restraint system. This removal simplifies the guide structure while maintaining guiding functionality through the combination of the three restraining surfaces and the open surface that allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the guiding function into two parts: three surfaces that provide restraint and guidance, and one open surface that enables simplified manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation allows the actuator to achieve both guiding stability and manufacturing simplicity by distributing functions across different surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If the guide structure is simplified with one open surface, then manufacturing cost decreases, but bearing rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the guide structure by transitioning from a closed four-surface configuration to an open three-surface configuration. This parameter change reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while the magnet preloading mechanism compensates for any potential rigidity loss through applied preloading forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical restraint system with a magnetic preloading mechanism. The magnet preloading mechanism applies magnetic forces to provide additional support and maintain bearing rigidity, allowing the guide structure to be simplified without compromising structural performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide shaft is restrained by four surfaces, then the slider is guided with high precision, but assembly and adjustment become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one surface from the four-surface restraint system, reducing assembly complexity. The remaining three surfaces maintain guiding precision through their geometric configuration, while the open surface facilitates easier assembly and adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a closed four-surface configuration that requires complex assembly, the patent inverts the approach by using an open three-surface configuration. This inversion simplifies the assembly process while maintaining guiding precision through the strategic arrangement of the three restraining surfaces.
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
The simplified structure reduces manufacturing costs and assembly complexity, while maintaining the ability to operate in vacuum environments without generating microscopic dust or heat, and enhances bearing rigidity through the magnet preloading mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the slider can be moved smoothly with respect to a guide shaft by ejecting compression gas from air pad provided within the slider
Implementation Method 2
A magnet preloading mechanism that applies a downward force resulting from magnetism to the slider may be provided between the slider and the guide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An actuator 10 includes a guide 12 that extends in one direction and a slider 20 that is movable in an axial direction with respect to the guide 12. Either the guide 12 or the slider 20 has a recessed cross-section, and the slider 20 is guided by the guide 12 while the other of the guide 12 and the slider 20 is restrained by three surfaces constituting the recessed cross-section.