Vibration Actuator Integrated Flange Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration actuators face challenges in downsizing and manufacturing complexity due to the need for precise dimensional accuracy of multiple fitting components, which affects driving performance and ease of manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A vibration actuator design featuring a shaft with an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and elastic body, a rotating body in contact with the vibrator, an output transmission member, a fixed member, and a pressure member that reduces the number of components required for precise fitting, allowing for easier downsizing and improved manufacturing simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gaps between gear, flange cap, and flange are made small to reduce centrifugal whirling and improve rotational uniformity, then the driving performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for high dimensional accuracy of multiple fitting components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flange cap and flange into a single integrated flange structure, eliminating the need for separate fitting components. This merging reduces the number of parts requiring precise dimensional control and simplifies the fitting relationships while maintaining the necessary gap control for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated flange structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface, defines the gap dimensions, and eliminates the need for separate pressure distribution components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining driving performance.
2Volume of moving object
If the vibration actuator is downsized to meet commercial requirements, then the product size is reduced, but the manufacturing difficulty increases due to tighter tolerances and more complex assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the flange cap and flange into a single component, the patent reduces the total part count and assembly steps. This merging is particularly beneficial for downsized actuators where reducing component数量和装配复杂度 is critical for maintaining manufacturing ease while achieving compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the integrated flange structure into functionally distinct regions (mounting area, gap-defining surfaces, pressure distribution zones) that can be optimized independently. This functional segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of compact components while maintaining precise dimensional control where needed.
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 design enables a more compact vibration actuator with reduced manufacturing complexity and improved sliding contact efficiency, enhancing the ease of assembly and performance by managing the gap between components effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element 203, which is held between the elastic bodies 201 and 202
Implementation Method 2
The rotor 207 is brought into pressure contact with the elastic body 201, which causes the elliptic motion of the elastic body 201 to be transmitted to the rotor 207, as a driving force, in the form of a frictional force between the vibrator 214 and the rotor 207
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration actuator includes a vibrator including a shaft, an output transmission member penetrated by the shaft, and configured to rotate about the axis of the shall, and a fixed member configured not to move relative to the shaft and configured to move relative to the output transmission member. The fixed member includes a base portion and a projection portion protruding from the base portion to the output transmission member side, the vibration actuator includes a pressure reception member between the base portion and the output transmission member in an axial direction of the shaft, and wherein the projection portion and the output transmission member are in contact with each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft, and the projection portion and the output transmission member are not in contact with each other in the axial direction of the shaft.