Vibratory Linear Actuator Fastening Structure for Compact Stators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibratory linear actuators face challenges in size reduction of the stator element while minimizing deformation of the fastening portion counterpart, particularly in applications like hair cutters where compact designs are desired without compromising performance.

Innovation Solution

The vibratory linear actuator incorporates a stator element with a fastening portion featuring a pair of legs and protrusions that securely fasten to a counterpart, allowing for size reduction of the stator element while preventing deformation of the fastening portion, utilizing a hook-like design that reduces outward projections and enhances fastening strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the stator element size is reduced, then the overall actuator size is reduced, but the fastening portion counterpart deforms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestator element sizeVSAvoidfastening portion counterpart deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening portion is segmented into a pair of legs with protrusions, creating multiple contact points with the fastening portion counterpart. This segmentation distributes the fastening force across multiple locations, preventing deformation while maintaining compact stator element dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening portion employs an asymmetric hook-like design where protrusions extend in a specific direction toward the fastening portion counterpart. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the distribution of fastening forces and enhances structural stability without increasing the overall stator element size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If the fastening portion is designed with outward projections, then the fastening strength is increased, but the stator element size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidstator element size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of projecting outward from the stator element, the fastening portion uses inward-facing protrusions on the legs that hook onto the fastening portion counterpart. This inverted approach achieves strong fastening without requiring the fastening portion to protrude outward, thereby maintaining compact stator element dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening strength is achieved not through outward projection in one dimension, but through the hook-like configuration of protrusions that engage with the counterpart in a different spatial arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration provides strong fastening while maintaining compact overall size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4472045A1Vibratory linear actuator, fastening structure for fastening vibratory linear actuator to fastening portion counterpart, and cutter
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4472045A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4472045A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4472045A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to the present disclosure, a vibratory linear actuator, a fastening structure for fastening the vibratory linear actuator to a fastening portion counterpart, and a cutter enabled to achieve a size reduction of the stator element while suppressing deformation of the fastening portion counterpart is provided. A vibratory linear actuator according to the present disclosure includes stator element (6) capable of driving a movable element. This stator element includes stator body (61) and fastening portion (63) connected to stator body (61) and capable of being fastened to fastening portion counterpart (431) provided to another component (43). In a side view in a state where stator element (6) is disposed in such a way one surface (611 1a) of stator body (61) faces downwards, fastening portion (63) includes: a pair of legs (631) protruding downwards from one surface (6111a) and facing each other; and a pair of protrusions (632) that are provided to legs (631), respectively, and protruding inward in a direction in which the legs (631) face each other.