Compact Three-Axis Rotation Device Using Intersecting Bevel Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotation devices for robots, such as those described in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2017-216643, are not compact due to their use of multiple arcuate arms, which limits their ability to provide rotation around multiple axes in a reduced size format.
Innovation Solution
A compact rotation device incorporating a two-axis rotation mechanism and a one-axis rotation mechanism, where the two-axis rotation mechanism includes a system of bevel gears and motors that intersect at a common point, allowing for three-axis rotational motion with a common center of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If arcuate arms are used for rotation mechanisms, then rotation around multiple axes is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rotation mechanisms (pan-tilt mechanisms) into a single integrated structure where the first and second arcuate arms are mounted on a common base plate and share a common housing. This merging of separate rotation functions into one unified mechanism reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the capability for rotation around multiple axes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the second arcuate arm is positioned within the structure of the first arcuate arm, and both are contained within a shared housing. The camera housing is attached to the insertion member that passes through both arms, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the external dimensions while preserving multi-axis rotation functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arcuate arms are used, then multi-axis rotation is provided, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it supports both the first and second arcuate arms for pivotal motion, provides a common mounting surface for the motors, and acts as the foundation for the entire rotation mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall structure while enabling multi-axis rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as a common enclosure for both arcuate arms and their associated motors, consolidating what could be separate assemblies into a single integrated unit. This merging of structural elements reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining the complexity of multi-axis rotation capability.
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 proposed solution enables a compact and efficient implementation of three-axis rotational motion, allowing for the reproduction of head movements in teleexistence environments, thereby enhancing the sense of presence and reducing the device's size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first bevel gear 40, a second bevel gear 50 disposed at a position where the second bevel gear 50 coaxially faces the first bevel gear 40 in an axial direction, a third bevel gear 60 that meshes with the first bevel gear 40 and the second bevel gear 50
Implementation Method 2
a first motor 49 for supplying rotational force to the first bevel gear 40, and a second motor 50 for supplying rotational force to the second bevel gear 50
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation device includes a two-axis rotation mechanism including a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear disposed at a position where the second bevel gear coaxially faces the first bevel gear in an axial direction, a third bevel gear that meshes with the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear, a first motor for supplying rotational force to the first bevel gear, and a second motor for supplying rotational force to the second bevel gear; a one-axis rotation mechanism including a drive shaft and a third motor for supplying rotational force to the drive shaft; and an attachment member that attaches the two-axis rotation mechanism to the one-axis rotation mechanism such that a rotational axis of the drive shaft passes a point of intersection where a rotational axis of the first bevel gear and the second gear and that of the third bevel gear intersect with each other.