Compliant Constant-Force Guide with Adjustable Force Application Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compliant guide devices with constant force suffer from complex structures, difficulty in scalability, and inability to adjust the force application point without requiring multiple components and complex control systems, leading to increased assembly effort and costs.
Innovation Solution
A fully compliant guide device using straight elements with adjustable connection distance and angle to achieve constant force, allowing for easy manufacturing and adjustment of the force application point through simple mechanical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If compliant elements with varying cross-section, curvature, and material are used to achieve constant force, then the constant force is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and prone to production defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional dimensions, curvature radius, and material properties at different locations along the compliant element to achieve constant force output. This allows the element to have different stiffness characteristics in different regions, compensating for the non-linear elastic behavior and maintaining constant force over the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curvature by designing compliant elements with varying curvature radii along their length. The curvature profile is specifically optimized to compensate for the non-linear elastic deformation, enabling the element to deliver constant force throughout its range of motion while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Force
If compliant elements with positive and negative stiffness are combined to achieve constant force, then the constant force is achieved, but multiple different elements are required which must be coordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple compliant elements with different stiffness characteristics into a single integrated element. By combining positive and negative stiffness regions within one element, the design achieves constant force output while reducing the number of separate components that would otherwise need to be coordinated and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both positive and negative stiffness regions, guides motion, and maintains constant force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional springs are used as compliant elements to enable force adjustment, then the force operating point can be adjusted, but scalability and miniaturization become difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical springs with compliant elements that derive their elasticity from geometric configuration and material properties rather than coiled spring mechanisms. This substitution enables miniaturization while maintaining force adjustment capability through modification of the compliant element's dimensions, curvature, and preloading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves force adjustment by changing geometric parameters (cross-sectional dimensions, curvature radius, length) and preloading conditions of the compliant element rather than using adjustable mechanical springs. This approach enables scalable design where the same basic element geometry can be adapted to different force levels and size scales through parameter optimization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rigid external frame and multiple components are used to adjust force application point, then the force application point can be adjusted, but the device is not purely compliant and assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by making the compliant element itself adaptable through variable geometric parameters and preloading conditions. This allows the force application point and characteristics to be adjusted without requiring separate rigid adjustment mechanisms, maintaining the purely compliant nature of the device while enabling customization.
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 device provides a simple, cost-effective solution with no lubrication or wear, easy scalability, and adjustable force application, suitable for various applications from nanofabrication to robotics.
Implementation Method 1
The guide device derives its function solely from the compliance of these elements
Implementation Method 2
Based on a literature review, [8] and, and [9] are the only sources known to the applicants that utilize the bending behavior under different clamping conditions to adjust the force application point
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustable, fully compliant guide device with constant force, which allows the setting of a force operating point by changing the preload of compliant elements, an associated method for adjusting the device for a predetermined force, and for dimensioning the compliant elements of the guide device. The adjustable, fully compliant guide device with constant force has a wide range of applications. These include metrology, weighing technology, precision engineering, nanofabrication, biomedical engineering, sports and rehabilitation equipment, the automotive industry, and robotics.