Elastic Elliptical Ring Linear Motion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion mechanisms, such as those using reduction gearing and elastic plates, face challenges in achieving high precision due to complexity, structural weakness, and difficulty in miniaturization, leading to cumbersome assembly processes and reduced structural robustness.
Innovation Solution
A linear motion mechanism utilizing an elastic elliptical ring with one end fixed and the other end movable, combined with an operating member that deforms the elliptical ring along its minor axis, and a movable member supported by elastic sections, allowing for orthogonal displacement transformation and precise movement without the need for complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reduction gearing mechanism is used to achieve precise linear motion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical reduction gearing system with an elastic deformation-based mechanism. The flexible beam undergoes elastic deformation to transform rotational input into linear output motion, eliminating gears, shafts, and associated alignment requirements. This substitution of mechanical transmission with elastic compliance achieves precise motion control while dramatically simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in elastic parameters (flexibility, stiffness) of the beam to achieve motion transformation. By carefully designing the beam's geometric parameters and material properties, the system transforms large rotational input displacements into precise linear output displacements through elastic deformation, providing inherent backlash-free operation and simplified assembly.
2Ease of operation
If multiple elastic plates are combined to eliminate backlash adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated flexible beam structure. The beam simultaneously provides motion transformation, elastic support, and structural strength, eliminating the need for separate elastic plates and their complex spatial arrangements. This consolidation maintains assembly simplicity while significantly improving structural robustness through a unified load-bearing design.
3Productivity
If compact design is implemented to reduce size and weight, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves miniaturization by optimizing the geometric parameters of the flexible beam, including its length, width, thickness, and curvature radius. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system provides sufficient elastic deformation for motion transformation while maintaining structural integrity and achieving precise motion control in a compact form factor, thereby improving productivity through miniaturization without excessive manufacturing precision requirements.
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 enables a lightweight, miniaturized, and robust linear motion mechanism with precise displacement capabilities, achieving nano-resolution motion and operating effectively across a wide temperature range with predictable and repeatable results, suitable for applications like micro-manipulators and hexapod systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic arrangement which is arranged to transform an input direction and an input displacement to an output direction and an output displacement
Implementation Method 2
a operating member which is arranged to deform the elastic arrangement in the input direction by the input displacement
Implementation Method 3
an elastic support member which is arranged to elastically support the movable member
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear motion mechanism with precise linear motion has structural robustness and allows easy reduction in weight and size, simple production and easy operation. The linear motion mechanism includes: an elastic arrangement(101) which is arranged to transform an input direction and an input displacement to an output direction and an output displacement, wherein the output direction is orthogonal to the input direction; an operating member(106a,106b,107a,107b) which is arranged to deform the elastic arrangement(101) in the input direction by the input displacement; and a movable member(105) fixed to the elastic arrangement(101) to move in the output direction by the output displacement.