Articulated Arm Ramped Locking for Precise 3D Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated arm designs require manual rotation of knobs for locking and unlocking, which is cumbersome and imprecise, leading to potential displacement of the arm during positioning and repetitive, time-consuming adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A ramped unlocking and locking mechanism integrated into the central hinge of the articulated arm, allowing for simultaneous and proportional locking and unlocking of hinges and ball joints, using actuatable members like levers to modulate frictional locks in a ramped manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation of knobs is used to lock arm hinges, then the arm can be locked in place, but the operation becomes cumbersome and imprecise, requiring repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The friction lock mechanism is made dynamically adjustable through a wheel that can be rotated to vary the frictional force applied to the hinge. This allows continuous modulation of the locking force, enabling precise positioning and secure locking in a single operation, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional locking parameter is made variable by changing the normal force applied through the wheel mechanism. By rotating the wheel, the user can continuously adjust the frictional force parameter to achieve the optimal balance between ease of movement and secure locking, resolving the contradiction between operation ease and time loss
2Reliability
If rotational force is applied to lock an arm in place, then the arm is secured, but the arm may be jostled out of its desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of friction force during the locking process. Users can first apply minimal friction to allow precise positioning, then gradually increase friction to secure the arm, maintaining positioning accuracy while achieving reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism enables preliminary positioning under low friction conditions before applying the final locking force. This preliminary action allows the arm to be positioned accurately without the full locking force that would cause jostling, then the friction is increased to secure the position
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction lock is applied to secure the arm, then the arm remains stationary, but repeated locking and relocking causes fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous friction adjustment mechanism allows the arm to remain stable at any position along the rotation range, not just at discrete locking points. This eliminates the need for repeated locking cycles and reduces operational fatigue while maintaining position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The friction mechanism maintains its locking function throughout the entire rotation range, allowing the arm to hold its position automatically without requiring active intervention for repeated locking. The system serves itself by maintaining stability across all positions
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 rapid repositioning of the articulated arm in three-dimensional space while maintaining its position without collapsing, reducing fatigue and improving precision through automated friction control.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one ball bearing ramp comprises a circular arrangement of ramps, each ramp formed by a sloped groove having a lowered position at a bottom of the sloped groove and a raised position at the top of the sloped groove
Implementation Method 2
the at least one bearing washer comprises a circular arrangement of ball bearings, each ball bearing matched to a ramp of the at least one ball bearing ramp
Implementation Method 3
at least one hinge brake movable along the hinge pin
Implementation Method 4
the return mechanism is selected from the group consisting of: springs, coils, hydraulic pistons, pneumatic pistons, elastic members, bendable members, and magnetic members
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to articulated arm devices with ramped unlocking and locking mechanisms. The articulated arm devices comprise hinge joints and ball joints that can be locked to position tools or instruments in place in three-dimensional space. Ramped unlocking and locking mechanisms are provided to unlock and lock the hinge joints and ball joints such that articulated arm devices can be rapidly repositioned in three-dimensional space and locked without collapsing.