Flexible Hinge Guide Mechanism for Large-Stroke Precision Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-precision motion platform systems face challenges with short strokes and limited degrees of freedom, leading to increased production costs when trying to achieve large-stroke high-precision motion.
Innovation Solution
A large load-bearing guide mechanism and multi-DOF large-stroke high-precision motion platform system are developed, incorporating a rigid frame, core motion platform, primary and secondary flexible hinge groups, and non-contact actuators to enable high-speed and precise displacements across multiple directions without the need for specialized components like air flotation or magnetic levitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an ordinary large-stroke macro-motion device is used, then the stroke is large, but the precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The motion platform is divided into two functional parts: a large-stroke macro-motion platform for coarse positioning and a small-stroke high-precision platform for fine adjustment. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between large stroke and high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The small-stroke high-precision platform is nested on top of the large-stroke macro-motion platform. The precise platform carries the workpiece while the macro-motion platform provides large-range movement. This nesting structure enables the combination of large stroke from the base platform with high precision from the upper platform.
2Manufacturing precision
If a high-precision feed motion platform is used, then the precision is high, but the stroke is short
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the motion functions into two independent platforms: one dedicated to large-stroke macro-motion and another to small-stroke micro-motion. This segmentation allows the high-precision platform to focus on fine positioning without being constrained by the need for large travel distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The small-stroke high-precision platform is placed on top of the large-stroke platform, allowing it to operate within a limited stroke range while benefiting from the large-range movement capability of the underlying macro-motion platform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-DOF motion platform system is constructed, then the motion capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-DOF motion capability is achieved by segmenting the system into multiple single-DOF modules, each providing motion along one degree of freedom. These modular units can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatile motion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism design incorporates universal features that allow the same structural components to serve multiple functions across different DOFs. The flexible hinge groups and connecting structures are designed to handle various motion requirements, reducing the need for specialized components for each degree of freedom.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized components like air flotation or magnetic levitation are used, then the precision is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex specialized systems (air flotation, magnetic levitation) with a mechanically simple guide mechanism consisting of flexible hinge groups and rigid connections. This substitution maintains high precision through clever mechanical design while using conventional machining methods, significantly reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism achieves high precision by optimizing geometric parameters and material properties rather than relying on specialized components. The flexible hinge dimensions, material selection, and structural configuration are carefully designed to provide the required precision through standard manufacturing processes.
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 allows for the flexible construction of multi-DOF large-stroke high-precision motion platforms with reduced costs, enabling precise motion in multiple directions while maintaining low production costs by using general machining methods.
Implementation Method 1
a primary flexible hinge group (106) arranged between the rigid frame (102) and both sides of the core motion platform (104), and used for connecting the core motion platform (104) to the rigid frame (102), supporting a load of the core motion platform (104) and making the core motion platform generate a precise displacement through deformation along a motion direction
Implementation Method 2
a core motion platform (104) arranged in the rigid frame (102) and used for generating a small-stroke precise displacement in the rigid frame (102) under driving of a non-contact actuator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention also discloses a multi-DOF (Degree of Freedom) large-stroke high-precision motion platform system using the guide mechanism. A large load-bearing guide mechanism comprises: a rigid frame for generating a large-stroke displacement to realize high-speed motion; a core motion platform connected with a motion portion of a non-contact actuator, connected with the rigid frame by a primary flexible hinge group and a secondary flexible hinge group, and used for generating a small-stroke precise displacement by elastic deformation of the flexible hinge groups under driving of the actuator.