Conical Articulated Member With Cableless Rotary Tail Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation systems for animating figures, such as those used in theme park attractions, often rely on cables which increase costs, design complexity, and maintenance difficulties, reducing the longevity of the animated figures.
Innovation Solution
A conical-shaped articulated member featuring a conical structure with a plurality of rotary actuation units along its length, allowing for multiple degrees of freedom and simulated animal tail or vine motions without the need for cables, using durable materials and flexible skins for realistic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cables are used for actuation, then motion transmission is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes cables from the actuation system entirely, replacing them with a cableless mechanism where rotary actuators are directly coupled to the articulated structure. This extraction of the cable component eliminates the associated costs and complexity while maintaining motion transmission capability through direct mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the cable-based mechanical transmission system with a direct rotary actuator coupling system. The rotary actuators are directly mounted to the articulated structure, eliminating the intermediate cable transmission mechanism and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of repair
If cables are used for actuation, then motion control is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing cables from the system, the patent eliminates the maintenance issues associated with cable wear, fraying, and connection points. The cableless design with direct actuator coupling requires no cable replacement or adjustment, significantly reducing maintenance requirements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If cables are used for actuation, then motion transmission is achieved, but longevity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates cables, which are prone to wear, fatigue, and failure over time. By using direct rotary actuator coupling, the system removes the primary failure point, thereby increasing reliability and extending the operational lifespan of the articulated figure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rotary actuation units are coupled together, then motion freedom increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rotary actuation units into a single integrated articulated structure. The actuators are directly coupled to one another and to the conical structure, merging the actuation system with the structural elements to achieve multiple degrees of freedom while maintaining design simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a conical-shaped articulated member. The conical-shaped articulated member includes a conical-shaped structure including an inner surface and an outer surface. The conical-shaped articulated member further includes a plurality of rotary actuation units disposed along a length of the conical-shaped structure, where at least two rotary actuation units of the plurality of rotary actuation units are coupled together. The plurality of rotary actuation units are configured to perform one or more motions.