Control Surface Peg Ramps for Line Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic and signal-driven devices require multiple actuators to control various parts, which can be inefficient and limit the scalability and precision of movement, especially in controlling complex three-dimensional surfaces and micro-scale devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a control surface with peg ramps and skates to move lines by engaging wedges, allowing for centralized control of multiple moving parts with fewer actuators, enabling scalable and precise control of complex surfaces and micro-scale devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numerous actuators are used to control multiple moving parts, then each part can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator controls multiple lines simultaneously through a control surface with multiple ramps, allowing one actuator to perform the function of multiple actuators while maintaining independent control capability for each line
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single integrated control surface structure that coordinates multiple lines through shared mechanical components (ramps, skates, pegs), reducing the total number of actuators needed
2Device complexity
If a centralized control system with fewer actuators is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the precision of fine movements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is segmented into multiple independent ramps, each capable of controlling a specific line's movement independently, allowing precise control of fine movements for each line while maintaining centralized actuation
Solution Approach 2:
Skates with pegs act as intermediary mechanical elements that translate the actuator's rotational motion into precise linear movements of individual lines through ramp engagement, enabling fine movement control without requiring multiple actuators
3Speed
If multiple actuators are distributed across the device, then control responsiveness is improved, but the overall system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple line control functions are merged into a single actuator through the control surface mechanism, allowing coordinated movement of multiple lines simultaneously, which improves system efficiency while maintaining control responsiveness through the mechanical ramp-skip engagement design
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
This approach enables efficient and precise control of multiple moving parts with fewer actuators, allowing for dynamic control of three-dimensional surfaces and rapid prototyping, such as changing the shape of airfoils in wind tunnels, while reducing the number of required actuators.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is mechanically coupled to a control surface and to a line brace
Implementation Method 2
the pegs of the one or more skates to move perpendicular to the skate surface when pushed by the ramp
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of lines, each line tethered to one or more wedges, the pegs to cause one or more of the plurality of lines to move by engaging at least one wedge
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed subject matter includes techniques for controlling lines. An example method includes receiving power at a motor to rotate a control surface and a line brace. The method also includes receiving programmed movements at a control circuit. The method further includes receiving a controlled force based on the programmed movements to arrange a skate in a predetermined position along a skate track in a skate surface. The method also includes rotating the control surface to cause a peg ramp on the control surface to move a peg in the skate towards a wedge fixed to a line. The method further includes causing the line to move to a new position along the direction of the skate track via a force of the peg against the wedge.