Clockwork Mechanism with Deformable Rhombus for Bidirectional Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clockwork mechanisms lack the ability to transform an input function into an output function that varies either similarly or inversely to the input function on demand, limiting their versatility in applications requiring bidirectional or unidirectional rotary movements.
Innovation Solution
A clockwork mechanism comprising a deformable rhombus with pivoting segments, a lever, and locking members that allow for kinematic linkage and controlled movement, enabling the transformation of input values into output values that are either similar or opposite, utilizing a control device and return mechanisms to manage the locking and unlocking positions of the blocking members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clockwork mechanism uses a fixed transmission path, then the structure is simple, but it cannot transform input function into output function that varies similarly or inversely on demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the transmission path changeable through movable blocking members (2, 3) that can switch between locking and unlocking positions. The rhombus structure with pivoting segments allows the mechanism to dynamically reconfigure its kinematic linkage, enabling transformation between different input-output function relationships (similar or inverse variation) based on the position of the blocking members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transmission path into multiple possible routes by introducing separate blocking members (2, 3) that can independently control the state of the lever (1). This segmentation allows selective engagement of different transmission paths through the rhombus structure, enabling the mechanism to choose between different functional transformations without requiring a completely different mechanism for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mechanism adds locking members and control devices to enable function transformation, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the rhombus structure with pivoting segments that can serve multiple functions depending on the blocking member positions. The same physical structure (the rhombus linkage) enables both similar and inverse function transformation modes, meaning the mechanism achieves multiple functional capabilities without requiring separate dedicated structures for each mode, thereby reducing overall complexity despite the added control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever (1) acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the input and output segments of the rhombus structure. By controlling the position of the lever through the blocking members, the system can indirectly control the functional relationship between input and output, allowing complex function transformation capabilities to be achieved through a relatively simple mediating structure rather than direct complex linkages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mechanism uses a deformable rhombus with pivoting segments, then function transformation is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the blocking members (2, 3) and their interaction with the lever (1) to create distinct locking and unlocking states. The asymmetric design of the blocking mechanism ensures that small variations in pivoting joint accuracy do not prevent the blocking members from achieving reliable engagement or disengagement, as the asymmetric geometry provides clear stable states that are tolerant of manufacturing tolerances in the pivoting segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The clockwork mechanism comprises: - a deformable rhombus (ABCD) with four coplanar segments connected in pairs by their vertices by pivoting, including an input segment (AD) adjacent to an output segment (AB), both pivoted about a pivot axis (X) perpendicular to the plane of the rhombus and passing through a first vertex (A) common to the input (AD) and output (AB) segments and fixed in translation within the plane of the rhombus (ABCD), - a lever (1) mounted to pivot about the pivot axis (X), the lever (1) being kinematically linked in rotation, about the pivot axis (X), to a second vertex (C) of the rhombus, opposite the first vertex (A), - a first locking member (2) capable of moving between a locked position, in which the lever (1) is fixed in rotation about the pivot axis (X), and an unlocked position in which the first locking member (2) does not impede the rotation of the lever (1),- a second locking member (3) capable of moving between a locked position, in which the second vertex (C) is blocked in translation along a radial direction with respect to the pivot axis (X), and an unlocked position in which the second locking member (3) does not impede the radial movement of the second vertex (C), the mechanism being arranged so that one of the locking members (2, 3) is in the locked position when the other is in the unlocked position, - a control device (4) capable of controlling the movement of the first locking member (2) between its locked and unlocked positions. Thus, the angular position of the input segment (AD) representing the input value of the mechanism,The angular position of the output segment (AB) represents an output value that varies similarly to the input value when the first locking member (2) is in the unlocked position and inversely to this value when the first locking member (2) is in the locked position. In a particular embodiment, the mechanism allows, on demand, an output value equal to or opposite to the input value.