Elastic Worm Gear Assembly for Precise Telescope Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Worm gear assemblies in telescope mounts often experience mechanical engagement issues, leading to imprecise adjustments and increased wear due to being either too loose or too tight, which affects the precision and longevity of optical instrument positioning.
Innovation Solution
An elastic worm gear assembly is designed with a worm wheel featuring elasticity-enhancing cutouts, allowing for a more resilient deformation and optimal engagement between the worm shaft and wheel, thereby maintaining precise adjustment and reducing wear by ensuring neither too tight nor too loose engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the mechanical engagement between the worm wheel and the worm shaft is made tight to improve precision, then the orientation adjustment precision is improved, but the friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elasticity as a variable parameter by incorporating elastic material or elastic elements into the worm wheel or worm shaft. This allows the engagement parameters (force, deformation) to dynamically adjust based on operating conditions, achieving optimal precision without excessive friction and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static rigid engagement into a dynamic elastic engagement. The elastic components allow for controlled deformation and recovery, enabling the system to adapt to varying loads and maintain optimal engagement characteristics throughout operation, preventing both too-loose and too-tight conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the mechanical engagement between the worm wheel and the worm shaft is made loose to reduce friction, then the wear is reduced, but the orientation adjustment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material or elements introduce a controllable deformation parameter that compensates for clearance or looseness in the engagement. This maintains precise orientation adjustment while keeping the average engagement force lower, reducing friction and wear over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic components act as a cushioning element that absorbs shocks and variations in engagement force before they can cause damage. This preemptive cushioning protects the gear teeth from impact loads while maintaining smooth engagement for precise positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid worm gear assembly is used to maintain structural stability, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the engagement precision and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies elastic material or elastic elements only in specific locations where engagement occurs (in the worm wheel, worm shaft, or at the contact interface), while maintaining rigid structures elsewhere to preserve overall structural integrity. This localized elasticity provides precision without compromising strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining rigid materials (for structural support) with elastic materials (for engagement precision). This composite approach allows the assembly to maintain structural stability while achieving adaptive, precise engagement through the elastic components.
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
The elastic worm gear assembly achieves precise adjustment and reduces wear by providing an ideal engagement between the worm shaft and wheel, enhancing the operational ease and longevity of telescope mounts.
Implementation Method 1
The wheel body is shaped to define a plurality of elasticity-enhancing cutouts spaced apart from the wheel axis and extending through the wheel body in directions parallel to the wheel axis
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for a telescope incorporates a worm gear assembly comprising: a worm wheel connected to a telescope holder, such that movement of the worm wheel about a wheel axis causes movement of the holder about the wheel axis; and a worm shaft having a worm body extending in a longitudinal direction and a thread extending in a spiral on the worm body around a worm axis orthogonal to the wheel axis. The worm shaft is supported by a base for rotational movement. The worm wheel comprises a plurality teeth for engaging the worm shaft thread, so that rotation of the worm shaft about the worm axis causes corresponding rotation of the worm wheel, and corresponding relative rotation between the holder and the base, about the wheel axis. The wheel body defines a plurality of elasticity-enhancing cutouts spaced apart from the wheel axis and extending through the wheel body.