Patent Filed by Sony Group Corporation for Elastic Unit Improves Linear Actuators

Sony Group Corporation has patented an innovative elastic unit that aims to improve the performance of linear actuators in robot devices. According to the patent filed on October 10, 2019, and published on August 19, 2025, the elastic unit is designed to enhance the controllability and maintainability of linear actuators. The inventors, Yasuhisa Kamikawa, Satoko Nagakari, and Hiroki Saijo, describe their invention as a solution to the limitations of existing elastic units, which are not adequately investigated in the prior art.

Key Takeaways:

• The patented elastic unit includes a shaft-like member, an enclosure member, a bearing, a plate member, and elastic members that work together to provide superior controllability and maintainability.
• The elastic unit can be used in series elastic actuators, where it can help stabilize force control.
• The elastic unit has a lightweight and maintainable design, making it an improved solution compared to existing elastic units.
• The patented technology can be applied to various fields, including robotics and machine learning.
• The Sony Group Corporation's innovation has the potential to enhance the performance of linear actuators and contribute to the advancements of robotics and machine learning.

Statistics:

• The patent was filed on October 10, 2019.
• The patent was published online on August 19, 2025.
• The Sony Group Corporation has filed the patent under U.S. Patent Number 12392387.
• The elastic unit has 14 claims, including innovations such as the use of a strain sensor, a motion amount sensor, and a force detection sensor.

Sources:

• Kamikawa, Yasuhisa. Elastic unit. U.S. Patent Number 12392387, filed October 10, 2019, and published online on August 19, 2025.
• Sony Group Corporation.
• VerticalNews article: "Patent Filed by Sony Group Corporation for Elastic Unit Improves Linear Actuators." VerticalNews, 2025 SEP 8.