6DOF Anchor Assembly With Spherical Bearing Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground anchoring systems for mechanized construction are inefficient due to complex and time-consuming adjustment mechanisms for achieving precise six degrees of freedom (6DOF) alignment, requiring close tolerances and clumsy adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
A compensated anchor assembly with a base plate, adjustable inner and outer collars, spherical bearings, and a method for autonomous installation using a robotic system, allowing for flexible positioning and alignment across 6DOF without requiring perfect vertical or horizontal orientation, enabling quicker and more precise anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distributed reinforcements and adjustment mechanisms are used to achieve 6DOF alignment, then positional accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base plate for ground attachment, a spherical bearing for multi-axis movement, and a column for vertical support. This segmentation allows each component to independently handle specific alignment requirements, eliminating the need for complex distributed adjustment mechanisms while maintaining 6DOF alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing acts as an intermediary element between the base plate and the column, enabling automatic adaptation to angular misalignments in all three rotational degrees of freedom. This intermediary component absorbs alignment errors without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If close tolerance adherence is required for plumb, level, and square alignment, then structural stability is improved, but installation time and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing introduces dynamic adaptability to the otherwise static anchoring structure. It allows the column to automatically adjust to angular misalignments in roll, pitch, and yaw, enabling the structure to maintain stability without requiring precise manual alignment during installation. This dynamic component absorbs alignment errors while preserving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing changes the operational parameters of the anchoring system by introducing six degrees of freedom (three translational and three rotational) between the base plate and column. This parameter expansion allows the structure to accommodate large deviations in plumb, level, and square alignment while maintaining stability, thereby dramatically reducing installation time and operational difficulty.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate adjustable mechanisms are used for each 6DOF control, then alignment precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing merges all six degrees of freedom control into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each degree of freedom. This consolidation maintains full alignment precision while dramatically simplifying the installation process, as the spherical bearing automatically handles all angular and positional adjustments in one piece, thereby improving productivity.
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
The solution simplifies and accelerates the installation process by allowing for large deviations in plumb, level, and square alignment, reducing mechanical installation tolerances and enabling faster setup of structures while maintaining stability and positional accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A spherical bearing is positioned in the lower bearing seat. The spherical bearing engages a proximal end of the anchor shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has an anchor shaft with a distal end configured to be embedded into a selected anchor location. A base plate has an aperture to receive the anchor shaft. A mounting ring surrounds the aperture. An inner collar is adjustably mounted on the mounting ring. A lower bearing seat is positioned in the inner collar. A spherical bearing is positioned in the lower bearing seat. The spherical bearing engages a proximal end of the anchor shaft. An upper bearing seat is positioned over the spherical bearing. An outer collar is mounted on the inner collar. The upper bearing seat, the spherical bearing, and the lower bearing seat are compressed between the outer collar and the inner collar, such that the anchor shaft is selectably mounted to the base plate and has six degrees of configurable positions.