Dual Hexapod Carriage Layout for Extended Wing Positioning Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hexapod platforms have limited range of movement, which is a constraint when installed on a transport carriage, particularly for manipulating aircraft wings.
Innovation Solution
A transport carriage with two hexapod platforms, each featuring a base, a plate, six articulated cylinders in pairs, sliders for translation, and a control unit to manage the movement systems, allowing greater amplitude of movement with three articulation zones distributed at the vertices of a triangle and horizontal translation directions converging at a single point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hexapod platform is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the range of movement of the plate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the movement system into two independent parts: sliders that move on the base and cylinders that articulate between the sliders and the plate. This segmentation allows the base to remain stable while the plate achieves enhanced movement range through coordinated slider and cylinder motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a translational dimension to the conventional hexapod by introducing sliders that move along linear paths on the base. This transforms the traditional six-cylinder direct-connection architecture into a hybrid system combining translation and articulation, thereby expanding the plate's reachable workspace without compromising base stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the range of movement is increased, then the flexibility in positioning is improved, but the stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the movement functions into sliders (providing stable translational motion) and articulated cylinders (providing flexible positioning), the system achieves both stability and flexibility. The sliders remain constrained to linear paths on the stable base, while the cylinders provide the necessary articulation for diverse plate positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliders act as intermediaries between the stable base and the articulated cylinders. They transfer motion from the base to the cylinders while maintaining a stable reference frame, thereby enabling enhanced plate mobility without sacrificing base stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more movement systems are added, then the range of movement is amplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliders serve multiple functions: they provide stable translational motion, act as mounting points for cylinder articulation, and serve as intermediaries for force transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite enhanced movement capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage with two hexapod platforms, each having a base, a plate, and a set of six cylinders associated in pairs. Each cylinder is articulatedly mounted with the plate. For each pair, a slider is able to move in translation on the base. For a first pair, the two cylinders of the first pair are mounted in an articulated manner on the slider. The articulation of one of the two cylinders of the first pair with the plate is adjacent to the articulation of one of the two cylinders of a second pair with the plate. The articulation of the other of the two cylinders of the first pair with the plate is adjacent to the articulation of one of the two cylinders of a third pair with the plate. For each slider, a movement system moves the slider. A control unit controls each cylinder and the movement system.