Articulated Device With Tooth Engagement And Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated devices struggle to achieve flexible movement configurations, such as concertina or rolling-up movements, without the need for guides or similar mechanisms, and are limited in their ability to accommodate members of varying types, shapes, and sizes.
Innovation Solution
An articulated device comprising members with fixed teeth sets and hingeable coupling sections, along with a positioning device to set angular positions, allowing for movement between members regardless of their type, shape, or size, enabling both concertina and rolling-up movements without external guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If members are connected with fixed coupling sections, then structural simplicity is maintained, but movement flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling section incorporates a positioning device that enables dynamic adjustment between fixed and articulated states. The first and second members can be positioned at various angular positions relative to the coupling section, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different movement requirements while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular position parameter of the members relative to the coupling section is made variable through the positioning device. By changing this angular parameter, the system can achieve different movement configurations (concertina or rolling-up movements) without altering the fundamental structure of the coupling section.
2Ease of operation
If guides are added to control member movement, then movement control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device integrates the control function directly into the coupling section, allowing the first and second members to self-position at desired angular orientations. The teeth engagement mechanism provides inherent positioning capability without requiring external guides, making the system self-sufficient for movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function and coupling function are merged into a single integrated coupling section. The positioning device is combined with the tooth engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for separate guide structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining movement control capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If members are designed with uniform dimensions, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling section with its positioning device serves as a universal interface that can accommodate members of varying types, shapes, and sizes. The ability to set angular positions allows the same coupling mechanism to work with different member configurations, making the system versatile for various applications such as doors, fences, and solar panels while maintaining standardized coupling components.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulated device comprises a first member that is provided with a first set of teeth fixedly connected thereto. A second adjacent member is provided with a second set of teeth fixedly connected thereto. A coupling section is also provided on which the first set of teeth is hingeably supported around a first hinge axis and on which the second set of teeth is hingeably supported around a second hinge axis wherein the first set of teeth engages with the second set of teeth. A positioning device sets an angular position of the first and second members relative to the coupling section.