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US 12,467,484 B2Granted
Pneumatic operation and self-alignment of linear actuator
AssigneeLiftwave, Inc.
InventorBlake Sessions
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure describes techniques for a self-aligning system within a belt-driven linear actuator that enables a “keyless” or “round profile” piston to be sealed while maintaining an aligning and/or torque resisting ability. This enables the airspaces within the electromechanical actuator could be pressurized to perform a secondary load holding function that is redundant to the linear screw device.
Claims17
An alignment system for a belt-driven linear actuator comprising:
- an actuator chassis comprising an inner surface;
- a traveling assembly comprising an operating piston and an output shaft and configured to translate along a primary axis defined by a centerline of the output shaft;
- a roller rotatably coupled to the traveling assembly and configured to mechanically engage with the inner surface of the actuator chassis, the roller having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein the roller is engaged with the inner surface by a preloaded spring, wherein the spring is preloaded by a set screw;
- a first flanged sheave coupled to the output shaft;
- a second flanged sheave coupled to the actuator chassis;
- and
- a belt extending between and around the first and second sheaves.
4 more elements
A method for operating a belt-driven linear actuator comprising:
- preventing rotation about a primary axis when a traveling assembly is not translating by frictionally resisting rotation using one or more members affixed to the traveling assembly and mechanically engaged with an inner surface of an actuator chassis by one or more preloaded springs, wherein the one or more preloaded springs are preloaded by a set screw;
- translating the traveling assembly of the belt-driven linear actuator;
- and
- while translating the traveling assembly, allowing the traveling assembly to rotate about the primary axis to correct alignment of a belt between a first sheave and a second sheave, wherein the one or more members slip along the inner surface during rotation about the primary axis.
1 more element
A system for operating a belt-driven linear actuator comprising:
- a pneumatically operated system comprising:
- a proximal volume;
- a distal volume;
- an operating piston affixed to an output shaft of the linear actuator, the operating piston separating the proximal and distal volumes;
- and
- a valve configured to direct gas to the proximal or distal volume, thereby creating a differential pressure across the operating piston;
- and
- an alignment system configured to maintain rotational alignment of the output shaft of the linear actuator, the alignment system comprising:
- an actuator chassis comprising an inner surface a roller rotatably coupled to a traveling assembly and configured to mechanically engage with the inner surface of the actuator chassis, the roller having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a primary axis defined by a centerline of the output shaft, wherein the roller has a curved surface shaped to maximize a contact area between the roller and the inner surface;
- a first flanged sheave coupled to the output shaft;
- a second flanged sheave coupled to the actuator chassis;
- and
- a flat belt extending between and around the first and second sheaves.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.