Compact Probe Traversing Assembly With Shared Helical Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traversing systems for probes are large and include multiple separate components, limiting their placement and ability to position probes in desired areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact traversing system integrating a probe body with a translation actuator and a yaw rotation actuator, utilizing helical worm gears and keyed worm gears to achieve linear translation and rotation of the probe body, with components stacked to minimize size and enhance placement flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing traversing systems use multiple separate components, then they can achieve probe positioning functionality, but the system size becomes large and placement flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate traversing system components into a single integrated unit. The translation actuator and yaw rotation actuator are merged into one compact assembly that can simultaneously perform linear translation and rotational positioning of the probe body, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the yaw rotation actuator is positioned within or alongside the translation actuator structure. The helical rack serves as a shared component that both actuators interface with, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes the system's external dimensions while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing traversing systems use multiple separate components, then they can achieve probe positioning functionality, but the ability to place probes in desired areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the translation and yaw rotation functions into a single integrated actuator assembly. Both the helical worm gear for translation and the keyed worm gear for rotation share a common helical rack and are driven by coordinated motor rotation, reducing component count while maintaining dual positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical rack serves multiple functions simultaneously: it engages with both the helical worm gear for linear translation and the keyed worm gear for rotational movement. This multi-functional component allows the system to achieve complex probe positioning (both linear and angular) through a unified mechanism rather than separate dedicated components for each function.
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 compact design allows for precise positioning of probes in tight spaces, offering improved placement flexibility and integration of multiple systems in close proximity.
Implementation Method 1
The translation actuator may include a helical worm gear configured to interface with the helical rack such that rotation of the helical worm gear causes linear translation of the probe body
Implementation Method 2
The yaw rotation actuator may include a keyed worm gear configured to interface with the helical rack such that rotation of the keyed worm gear causes rotation of the probe body
Implementation Method 3
At least one of the translation actuator and the yaw rotation actuator may include an O-ring face seal configured to seal a mounting surface of the actuator to a different mounting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a probe body, a translation actuator configured to linearly translate the probe body, and a yaw rotation actuator configured to rotate the probe body. The probe body includes a linear shaped portion. The linear shaped portion includes a helical rack. The translation actuator includes a helical worm gear configured to interface with the helical rack such that a rotation of the helical worm gear causes a linear translation of the probe body. The yaw rotation actuator includes a keyed worm gear configured to interface with the helical rack such that a rotation of the keyed worm gear causes a rotation of the probe body.