Elastic Hexapod Positioning for Reproducible Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning devices for space instrumentation, such as hexapods, require lengthy and tedious adjustments involving the addition and removal of discs to modify leg lengths, leading to reproducibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with elastically deformable actuating members and a control mechanism that allows for precise deformation of the body to modify the position of the platform without the need for removable adjustment components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment discs are added and removed to modify leg lengths, then the position of the equipment can be modified, but the positioning process becomes lengthy and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static leg structure into a dynamic one by introducing elastically deformable bodies that can continuously change their length. The legs are made of flexible materials allowing smooth deformation without discrete adjustment components, enabling continuous position modification without the time-consuming add/remove disc operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical disc addition/removal system with a controlled elastic deformation system. Instead of using discrete mechanical components (discs) that require assembly and disassembly, the system uses controlled elastic deformation of the leg bodies achieved through actuating members, transforming a mechanical assembly task into a controlled deformation process
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment discs are added and removed to modify leg lengths, then the position of the equipment can be modified, but reproducibility of the adjustment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic elastic deformation capability allows the system to achieve and maintain precise positions through controlled deformation rather than discrete mechanical assembly. The elastic bodies can be deformed to exact positions and maintain those positions reliably without the variability introduced by manual disc addition and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the leg bodies from rigid to elastically deformable, allowing continuous parameter adjustment through controlled deformation. This enables precise control of leg length as a continuous parameter rather than through discrete disc thickness selections, improving reproducibility
3Device complexity
If removable adjustment components are used, then the device structure becomes simpler, but the positioning process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment functionality from separate removable components and integrates it directly into the leg structure itself. The elastically deformable bodies are integral parts of the legs, eliminating the need for separate adjustment discs and their associated mounting hardware, thus simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the leg structure and adjustment mechanism into a single integrated elastically deformable body. The adjustment function is combined with the structural function, eliminating the need for separate adjustment components and simplifying both the device structure and the operation required to modify positions
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 solution simplifies the positioning process while ensuring precise and reproducible positioning of equipment in three-dimensional space, reducing the complexity and time required for adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said actuating members comprises an elastically deformable body and a control mechanism configured to be able to deform the body so as to modify the position of the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A device for positioning an equipment such as a space optical instrument mirror, including: a platform intended to receive the equipment or forming a portion of the equipment, and six actuating members connected to the platform; each of the actuating members having a body that is elastically deformable and a control mechanism configured to be able to deform the body to modify the position of the platform.