Animal Motion Simulator Using Interlinked Four-Bar Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical devices for simulating animal movement, such as those used in rodeo training, lack accuracy in replicating the complex interactions of bones, tendons, and muscles, leading to inadequate training for precise animal handling skills.
Innovation Solution
The use of four-bar linkages and multiple interlinked linkages to create nonlinear and compound movements that mimic the motion of animal legs, hooves, and tail, with features like spring-damper pivoting for realistic ground contact and lateral/axial rotation, enhancing the realism of animal mannequin motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple rigid leg segments hinged to rock the mannequin up and down are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of animal movement simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leg is divided into multiple segments (thigh, shin, foot) connected by joints, with each segment controlled by separate mechanical linkages. This segmentation allows independent control of each joint angle and position, enabling precise reproduction of complex animal gait patterns while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static rigid leg segments to dynamic multi-jointed legs with active control. The leg mechanism incorporates actuators and sensors that continuously adjust joint positions and velocities to match real animal movement data, transforming the system from a simple rocking mechanism to a dynamically controlled simulation that accurately replicates biological motion
2Device complexity
If single rigid leg segment from hip to hoof is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of hoof motion simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single rigid leg segment is segmented into multiple articulated components (thigh, shin, foot, hoof) connected by joints. Each segment has its own degree of freedom controlled by mechanical linkages, allowing the hoof to follow complex three-dimensional trajectories that match real animal gait patterns while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds multiple dimensions of motion control by introducing joints that provide rotation in different axes. The leg mechanism transitions from simple up-down rocking to multi-axis articulation, enabling the hoof to move in three-dimensional space along trajectories that accurately replicate natural animal movement patterns
3Ease of operation
If electric motor or rotating wheels are used to drive tail and leg motions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of animal movement simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple electric motor or wheel-driven mechanisms with a sophisticated mechanical linkage system composed of four-bar linkages, crank mechanisms, and articulated connections. This purely mechanical system directly translates rotational input into complex multi-joint leg and tail motions that accurately replicate animal gait patterns, eliminating the need for complex electronic controls while improving movement realism
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system allows precise control of motion parameters such as joint angles, velocities, and acceleration profiles by adjusting linkage lengths, pivot positions, and crank rotation speeds. This enables fine-tuning of the simulation to match specific animal movement characteristics while maintaining ease of operation through mechanical advantage
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 mechanical device provides a more accurate simulation of animal movement, improving training effectiveness by closely replicating the motion trajectories and timing of real animal movements, thus enhancing the precision and realism of training exercises.
Implementation Method 1
spring-damper pivoting of the hoof segments for longer and more realistic ground contact
Implementation Method 2
spring-damper pivoting of the hoof segments for longer and more realistic ground contact
Implementation Method 3
The present invention provides a mechanical device that accurately simulates animal movement. In at least some embodiments, the mechanical device uses four-bar linkages to provide nonlinear movement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a mechanical apparatus that simulates animal movement with a high degree of accuracy. In at least some embodiments, the mechanical apparatus uses interlinked multiple four-bar linkages to provide nonlinear compound movement. Multiple four-bar linkages may be progressively linked to other four-bar linkages to produce such compound movement. The current invention improves the realism of the animal mannequin motion by using. A bovine mannequin, for example, may have multi-joint legs connected through linkages, linkages that drive hopping movement patterns to match real motion patterning of a trajectory of the hooves, timing between tail and hoof motion, spring-damper pivoting of the hoof segments for longer and more realistic ground contact, vertical spring-damper pivot axis for the entire animal mannequin to swing laterally, and a horizontal spring-damper swing axis for the entire animal mannequin to rotate axially, and/or double linkages bi-laterally for better stability, among other features.