Fine Positioner Module Orbital Motion Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving precise end-point positioning of tooling on a work surface is challenging, especially when the positioning arm has inadequate stiffness due to extensive travel, multiple degrees of freedom, or long, compliant links, which complicates maintaining a stable contact for precise movements.
Innovation Solution
A fine positioner module is employed, comprising a contact member that makes contact with the work surface, a position adjustor for relative motion, and an actuator to relieve pressure, allowing the device to move along the surface by momentarily breaking contact and using orbital motion to achieve precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a positioning arm with extensive travel and multiple degrees of freedom is used, then the positioning range and flexibility are improved, but the stiffness and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into two independent segments: a positioning arm for coarse positioning and a fine positioner module for precision adjustment. The fine positioner module includes a contact member, position adjustor, and actuator that operate independently from the positioning arm, allowing each segment to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The fine positioner module acts as an intermediary between the positioning arm and the tooling. It includes a contact member that interfaces with the work surface and a position adjustor that mediates the transfer of motion from the actuator to the tooling, enabling precise position adjustments while isolating the tooling from the compliance of the positioning arm.
2Length of moving object
If long, compliant links are used in the positioning arm, then the positioning range is improved, but the stiffness and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the long-reaching positioning function (performed by the positioning arm with compliant links) from the precision holding function (performed by the fine positioner module). This segmentation allows the arm to be long and flexible while the fine positioner provides the necessary stability for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator in the fine positioner module dynamically changes the contact force parameter between the contact member and the work surface. By adjusting this contact force, the system can maintain stable positioning even with long, compliant links in the positioning arm, as the actuator compensates for the compliance by actively controlling the contact pressure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device maintains continuous contact with the work surface, then positioning stability is improved, but the ability to reposition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates periodically, cyclically adjusting the contact force between the contact member and the work surface. During repositioning, the actuator reduces contact force to allow movement; during positioning, it increases contact force to maintain stability. This periodic modulation of contact force enables both easy repositioning and stable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static continuous contact to dynamic controlled contact. The actuator continuously adjusts the contact force based on the operational state, making the contact dynamic rather than static. This allows the system to easily transition between repositioning mode (low contact force) and positioning mode (high contact force).
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 fine positioner module enables precise positioning of devices with significant uncertainty in end-point position, even with positioning arms of inadequate stiffness, by utilizing orbital motion and friction to maintain precise placement, facilitating accurate operations on the work surface.
Implementation Method 1
Friction inhibits the device 110 from moving along the work surface WS... The actuator 150 can push the contact member 130 against the work surface WS to apply a force normal to the work surface WS. The contact between the device 110 and the work surface WS may be broken momentarily... The contact load is largely removed so the device 110 can move freely relative to the work surface WS
Data Source
AI summary
A fine positioner module is used to perform fine positioning of a device that is pressing against a work surface. In some embodiments, the fine positioner module includes a contact member for making contact with a work surface, a position adjustor for using the contact member to move the device along the work surface, and an actuator for relieving pressure of the device against the work surface while the contact member is used to move the device along the work surface.