Worm Gear Actuator Layout Without Separate Positioning Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation cost and short service life of positioning bearings in actuator systems, leading to instability in guiding screw rod operations, are addressed by eliminating the need for a separate positioning bearing through a radially positioned worm gear mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design incorporating a shell casing, motor, transmission assembly, outer tube, and telescopic tube, where the worm gear is radially positioned between the worm rod and outer tube, with a screw nut and seal rings for stability and protection, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a positioning bearing is installed to support the guiding screw rod, then the stability of the guiding screw rod is improved, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function with the worm gear structure by integrating positioning columns and penetrated holes directly into the worm gear component. This merging eliminates the need for a separate positioning bearing, thereby reducing installation cost while maintaining the stability of the guiding screw rod through the integrated positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides gear engagement for motion transmission, structural support for the guiding screw rod, and radial positioning through its integrated positioning columns. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated positioning bearings, reducing overall component count and installation cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If a low-cost positioning bearing is used to reduce installation cost, then the installation cost decreases, but the service life of the actuator is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the positioning function into the worm gear structure itself through positioning columns and penetrated holes, the design eliminates the need for separate positioning bearings that would require compromise on quality. The integrated positioning mechanism maintains high reliability and service life while reducing installation cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the positioning bearing is completely removed to save cost, then the installation cost decreases, but the stability of the guiding screw rod deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning columns and penetrated holes are merged directly into the worm gear structure, providing inherent positioning capability without requiring a separate positioning bearing. This integration maintains guiding screw rod stability while eliminating the need for additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear structure provides its own positioning function through the integrated positioning columns and penetrated holes, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external positioning bearings.
4Reliability
If a separate positioning bearing is installed, then the positioning function is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged into the worm gear structure through positioning columns and penetrated holes, eliminating the need for a separate positioning bearing. This reduces the total number of components and simplifies the device structure while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides gear engagement, structural support, and radial positioning. This universality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single component.
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 configuration reduces installation costs, enhances the reliability of the guiding screw rod operation, and protects internal components from moisture, resulting in a compact and stable actuator system.
Implementation Method 1
The worm gear is adapted to sheathe the guiding screw rod and engaged with the worm rod for transmissions
Implementation Method 2
The screw nut is moveably screwed with the guiding screw rod to make the inner tube linearly movable relative to the outer tube
Implementation Method 3
The bearing is disposed at one end of the guiding screw rod to support the guiding screw rod in the shell casing
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator with a worm gear positioning mechanism, which includes: a shell casing (10); a motor (20) having a worm rod (21); a transmission assembly (30) having a guiding screw rod (31), a worm gear (32) and a bearing (33), the worm gear (32) having an annular member (321) having an inner circumferential surface (322); an outer tube (40) having an outer circumferential surface (41) attached to the inner circumferential surface (322), the worm gear (32) being positioned between the worm rod (21) and the outer tube (40) on a radial direction; and a telescopic tube (50) disposed in the outer tube (40) and having an inner tube (51) and a screw nut (52), the screw nut (52) moveably screwed with the guiding screw rod (31) to make the inner tube (51) linearly movable relative to the outer tube (40).