Three Degree of Freedom Universal Joint for Industrial Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Common universal joints have only two degrees of freedom, which is insufficient for complex mechanisms like industrial robots, and they have a complex structure that occupies significant space.
Innovation Solution
A three-degree of freedom universal joint design incorporating a first connecting base, a second connecting base, a two-way hinged member, pivotal shafts, a connecting pin, a pin shaft, and a third connecting base, allowing rotation along three perpendicular axes, thereby enhancing movement capabilities while reducing volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common universal joint with two degrees of freedom is used, then the structure is simple, but the movement capability is insufficient for complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint is divided into multiple functional modules: a first universal joint module providing two degrees of freedom, and a second universal joint module providing an additional degree of freedom. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while achieving the overall three-degree-of-freedom capability, resolving the contradiction between movement capability and structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges a conventional two-degree-of-freedom universal joint with an additional rotational mechanism to create a three-degree-of-freedom universal joint. By combining these functional elements into a single integrated structure, the invention achieves enhanced movement capability without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If a common universal joint is used, then the structure is straightforward, but the volume occupied is relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the second universal joint module is integrated within or alongside the first universal joint module. The additional degree of freedom mechanism is arranged to share space with the existing two-degree-of-freedom mechanism, allowing the three-degree-of-freedom joint to occupy less volume than three separate joints would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational degree of freedom about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the planes of the first two degrees of freedom. This three-dimensional arrangement of rotational axes allows the joint to achieve three degrees of freedom in a compact configuration, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to reduce overall volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a three-degree of freedom universal joint is designed, then the movement capability is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint is divided into multiple functional modules: a first universal joint module providing two degrees of freedom, and a second universal joint module providing an additional degree of freedom. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while achieving the overall three-degree-of-freedom capability, resolving the contradiction between movement capability and structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the three-degree-of-freedom universal joint to serve multiple functions: it provides three rotational degrees of freedom for complex mechanism control, maintains a compact form factor, and enables integration into various robotic applications. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering superior adaptability and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A 3DOF universal joint includes a first connecting base, a second connecting base, a two-way hinged member, and a third connecting base. The first connecting base and the second connecting base are rotatably mounted together via the two-way hinged member along a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The third connecting base is rotatably assembled to the second connecting base along a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes.