Actuation System with Nonlinear Elastic Elements for Rigidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuation systems for mechanical arms fail to utilize actuation units effectively, leading to unnecessary waste and inefficiency, as some units remain idle during operation.
Innovation Solution
An actuation system comprising two transmission modules and nonlinear elastic elements, where the first and second transmission modules include a transmission shaft, actuation part, and elastic element, with a linking module that adjusts the rigidity by rotating the actuation parts in different directions to compress or stretch the elastic elements, allowing for better positioning control and man-machine interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuation units are used to adjust elasticity and drive arm operations, then the mechanical arm can achieve positioning operation and improve user safety, but some actuation units remain idle during operation, causing waste of cost and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation units (first and second actuation units) into a single integrated actuation system that drives both transmission modules simultaneously. The actuation parts are coupled to transmission parts through elastic elements, creating a unified system where all actuation units work together during operation, eliminating idle units and improving cost efficiency while maintaining safety and positioning capabilities
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuation units are used to adjust elasticity and drive arm operations, then the mechanical arm can achieve precise positioning operation, but some actuation units remain idle during operation, causing unnecessary waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the actuation system with multi-functional capability where the same actuation units serve multiple purposes: they simultaneously adjust the elasticity of elastic elements and drive the transmission modules for positioning operations. This universal design allows precise positioning while avoiding the need for separate dedicated adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuation systems use multiple independent actuation units, then elasticity adjustment and drive functions are achieved, but the system fails to utilize actuation units effectively, leading to cost waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by designing the actuation system such that all actuation units remain actively engaged during operation. The actuation parts are simultaneously coupled to both elastic elements (for elasticity adjustment) and transmission parts (for driving motion), ensuring that every actuation unit performs useful work continuously without idle time, thereby maximizing efficiency and reducing cost waste
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 system effectively adjusts the rigidity of the elastic elements, enabling better operation effects by utilizing actuation units more efficiently and providing greater output torque, thus enhancing the mechanical arm's performance in industrial and non-manufacturing applications.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation system that uses two transmission modules in conjunction with a nonlinear elastic element to achieve the effects of improving the output kinetic energy and adjusting the rigidity of the elastic element
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an actuation system for adjusting the rigidity of elastic elements by using two sets of transmission modules together with a link gear and two sets of nonlinear elastic elements. The actuation system actuates an external arm by controlling the two sets of transmission modules to rotate in different directions and adjusts the rigidity of the elastic elements by controlling the two sets of transmission modules to rotate in the same direction, so as to achieve the effects of reducing the number of actuation modules used, minimizing the volume of the actuation system, and reducing production cost.