4D Theater Chair Drive Layout for Low Vibration Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drive apparatus for 4D theater chair assemblies generates vibration and noise due to load disturbances caused by a component of force in the Y-axis direction during the conversion of rotational motion to rectilinear motion, leading to increased costs and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
The drive apparatus incorporates a first actuator installed at a first angle and a second actuator at a second angle with respect to the horizontal centerline of the lower plate, along with a third actuator parallel to the vertical centerline, which minimizes the moment of force and load disturbance by using a spline device positioned on the vertical centerline and press-fitted bearings in the push rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If actuators are installed in parallel with the horizontal centerline of the lower plate, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but a moment of force is produced about the spline device by the Y-axis component of force during rotational to rectilinear motion conversion, causing load disturbances, friction, vibration, and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by installing actuators at specific angles (α and -α) relative to the horizontal centerline rather than in parallel. This asymmetric angular arrangement creates a geometric configuration where the Y-axis force components generate equal and opposite moments about the spline device, causing the moments to cancel each other out. This resolves the technical contradiction by eliminating the harmful Y-axis force moments while maintaining structural simplicity through the symmetric angular pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a counterbalancing mechanism where the two actuators positioned at angles α and -α create opposing moments that counterweight each other. The Y-axis force component from one actuator produces a moment in one direction, while the other actuator produces an equal moment in the opposite direction, effectively neutralizing the net moment about the spline device and eliminating the associated vibration and noise.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If actuators are installed at angles with respect to the horizontal centerline, then the moment of force and load disturbance are minimized, but the actuator installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric angular installation (α and -α) to minimize load disturbance while controlling complexity. The specific angular configuration creates a geometric relationship where force components are optimized to reduce moments about the spline device. The complexity is managed by using a symmetric angular pattern that simplifies the overall design process and allows for standardized mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the angular parameter (α) of actuator installation. By selecting specific angle values, the design achieves minimal load disturbance and moment generation. This parameter optimization balances the trade-off between performance (reduced load disturbance) and complexity (installation requirements), as the angular parameter can be selected based on geometric relationships that simplify manufacturing and assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are hinged to the plate, then the structure allows motion freedom, but bending moments and torsion loads are produced at the coupled portions, increasing maintenance costs and potential accident risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical joints (universal joints) at the actuator-plate coupling points. These spherical connections allow motion in multiple directions while distributing loads more evenly across the joint surfaces. The curved geometry of spherical joints reduces stress concentration compared to rigid hinges, minimizing bending moments and torsion loads, thereby improving the durability and reliability of the coupled portions while maintaining the necessary motion freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling mechanism from rigid hinged connections to spherical joints, altering the mechanical parameters of the connection. This parameter change allows for greater motion freedom while distributing forces more favorably, reducing the bending moments and torsion loads that would otherwise concentrate at rigid hinge points. The spherical joint design inherently handles multi-axis motion while reducing stress on the coupled portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive apparatus of a chair assembly for a 4D theater according to the present disclosure includes: a lower plate which is in contact with the ground; an upper plate which is positioned above the lower plate so as to be spaced apart from the lower plate; a first actuator which is positioned at a left portion between the lower plate and the upper plate; a second actuator which is positioned at a right portion between the lower plate and the upper plate; and a spline device, in which the spline device is installed to be positioned on a vertical centerline of the lower plate, and the first actuator is installed to have a predetermined first angle with respect to a horizontal centerline of the lower plate.


