Adapter for Rotary-to-Linear Motion Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not effectively enable the integration of displacement measuring devices with swivel drives, requiring separate rotary encoders and limiting the application of path measuring devices to linear movements only.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system that connects a displacement measuring device to a swivel drive, utilizing a first adapter element with a rotation axis, a control cam, and a stationary adapter element to convert rotational movement into linear movement, allowing existing path measuring devices to determine the position of the swivel drive without the need for additional encoders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary encoder is used to determine the rotary position of the swivel drive, then the rotary position can be accurately measured, but the device complexity increases and requires separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter enables a linear displacement measuring device to serve dual purposes: measuring both linear stroke and rotary position through cam mechanism conversion, eliminating the need for separate rotary encoders and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component that converts rotary motion from the swivel drive into linear motion that can be measured by existing displacement measuring devices, bridging the gap between rotary and linear measurement systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If path measuring devices are limited to linear movements only, then the device design remains simple, but the adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter transforms the displacement measuring device into a multi-functional tool that can measure both linear and rotary movements, extending its application field without requiring different measurement devices for different motion types
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism changes the motion parameter from rotary to linear, allowing the same displacement measuring device to accurately measure rotary position by converting it into equivalent linear displacement
3Measurement precision
If separate angle-of-rotation encoders are developed and made available, then the measurement capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and variety of variants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter allows existing displacement measuring devices to perform rotary position measurement, eliminating the need for manufacturers to develop and produce separate rotary encoders, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and product variety
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter enables existing linear measurement devices to serve themselves in rotary measurement applications through mechanical conversion, making additional specialized components unnecessary
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
Enables the extension of path measuring device applications to swivel drives, enhancing functional reliability and reducing the variety of sensors needed, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems and preventing incorrect assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a control cam, which connects together two imaginary points lying in vertical planes of the rotation axis that are spaced apart from one another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An adapter (2) for mounting a linear encoder on a rotary actuator is proposed. A first adapter element (4), rotatable about a rotational axis (10), comprises a first connection (6) for a shaft of the rotary actuator and a control cam (8) which connects two imaginary points (P1, P2) lying in spaced-apart perpendicular planes (x1 y1, x2 y2) of the rotational axis (10). A stationary second adapter element (12) comprises a guide section (14) for a third adapter element (20). The third adapter element (20) comprises a contact section (22) which contacts the control cam (8), a further guide section (16) which, together with the guide section (14) of the second adapter element (12), restricts the movement of the third adapter element (20) to movement along the rotational axis (10), and a second connection (30) for a connecting rod of the linear encoder.