Tilting Screw Actuator Layout for Misalignment-Tolerant Construction Equipment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electric cylinders in construction equipment are sensitive to induced efforts and shocks, leading to deformation of the framework, misalignment, and reduced efficiency, which can result in damage and increased costs due to the need for oversized frameworks and more powerful actuators.

Innovation Solution

The threaded rod is designed to tilt and realign with guiding means, allowing the ball or roller screw system to operate optimally, compensating for framework deformation and manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing the risk of damage and improving robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the framework is reinforced to avoid deformation, then the reliability and robustness improve, but the weight and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the threaded rod dynamic by allowing it to tilt and adjust its angle relative to the guiding means. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to framework deformation without requiring a reinforced framework, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding increased weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of the threaded rod's angular position, allowing it to vary within a range (e.g., ±2 degrees) to compensate for framework deformation. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational reliability without requiring additional structural reinforcement that would increase weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the framework is reinforced to avoid deformation, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of static reinforcement, the patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the threaded rod can tilt and realign itself. This simplifies the overall device by avoiding complex reinforcement structures while maintaining reliability through adaptive geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded rod automatically adjusts its own position and angle in response to framework deformation, compensating for misalignment without external intervention or complex control systems. This self-adjusting capability maintains reliability while minimizing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manufacturing tolerances are tightened to eliminate misalignment, then the efficiency improves, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces angular adjustability of the threaded rod, transforming a static alignment problem into a dynamic compensation mechanism. This allows standard manufacturing tolerances to be used while maintaining optimal efficiency through runtime geometric adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows the angular parameter of the threaded rod to vary within a specified range to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and framework deformation. This parameter flexibility maintains system efficiency without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances, thus reducing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4350081B1A construction equipment provided with a specific arrangement to allow titling movement within electric actuator
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP4350081B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4350081B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4350081B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a construction equipment (2) comprising a framework (80) and at least one electric actuator (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) for moving at least one element of the framework, wherein the actuator comprises: - a ball or roller screw system comprising a threaded rod (12) and a nut (14) forming a helical connection with the threaded rod, - an electric motor (16) for driving the rod in rotation around a longitudinal axis (X12), thereby forcing the nut (14) to move axially along the rod; - a carriage (15) which is axially connected with the nut, and - axial guide means (24) for guiding the movement of the carriage, wherein the guide means are fixed to the framework, - at least one support element (22) that connects, directly or indirectly, threaded rod (12) to framework (80), wherein said support element (22) is designed so that threaded rod can tilt, to some extent, relative to framework (80) around any axis perpendicular to rod longitudinal axis (X12).