Curved Telescopic Arm Structure for Balanced Extension Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable arms with cross units pivotally coupled in a linear direction face structural imbalances and unnatural forces when forming curved shapes, particularly due to shifted crossing shafts and differences in operation between the cross units and telescopic cylindrical arms.
Innovation Solution
The extendable arm design shifts coupling points at both ends of rigid members in the thickness or lateral direction, allowing the rigid members to be curved with a uniform radius of curvature, enabling the arm to follow a curved path while maintaining balance and avoiding unnatural forces, and can form various three-dimensional shapes such as cylindrical, conical, or spherical surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the crossing shafts of the cross units are provided at positions shifted from the centers of the plate members to form a curved shape, then the extendable arm can form a curved shape, but the structure becomes unbalanced and is subjected to unnatural forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally shifting the crossing shaft position from the center of the plate members. This asymmetric arrangement allows the extendable arm to form a curved shape while maintaining structural balance through careful design of the asymmetric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the rigid members have curved shapes with different radii of curvature at different locations. The first rigid member has a first curved shape and the second rigid member has a second curved shape, allowing each part to contribute differently to the overall curved configuration while maintaining balance.
2Shape
If the extendable arm is designed to follow a curved-line path, then it can form curved shapes, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extendable arm into multiple cross units, each containing rigid members with specific curved shapes. By segmenting the structure into standardized cross units that can be pivotally coupled together, the design achieves complex curved paths while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved shapes directly into the rigid members themselves, with the first rigid member having a first curved shape and the second rigid member having a second curved shape. This integration of curvature at the component level allows the entire arm to follow a curved-line path when extended, achieving the desired shape without requiring complex external guide structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An extendable arm (30) is formed by a plurality of cross units (31) arranged in one direction and pivotally coupled to each other, and each of the cross units is formed by two rigid members (31a, 31b) that are pivotally coupled at a central coupling point (c) so as to cross over each other to form an X-shape. In order for the extendable arm (30) to follow a curved-line path when being extended and contracted, each of the rigid members (31a, 31b) has such a curved shape that coupling points (d, e) at both ends of the rigid member are shifted toward one side from a longitudinal axis passing through the central coupling point (c).