Floating Clevis Mechanism for Radar Actuator Load Path Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional linear ball screw actuators used in radar systems cannot 'float' or unload when in a stowed or transport position, leading to statically indeterminate load paths and uncertainty in structural design, which is addressed by adding excessive structural elements and sensors, increasing system weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical joint with a bracket and alignment guide that can switch between a floating and non-floating mode, allowing the actuator to move freely in one position and be constrained in another, enabling accurate load calculation and reduced stress on the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear ball screw actuator is used to elevate the antenna array, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the actuator cannot float or unload in the stowed position, creating statically indeterminate load paths
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical joint transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic configuration that can adapt between two states: a floating position where the actuator is unloaded and a constrained position where positioning accuracy is maintained. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between floating and constrained states based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint changes its mechanical parameters (degrees of freedom, constraint conditions) between the floating and constrained positions. In the floating position, the joint allows movement along the actuator axis to enable unloading, while in the constrained position, it maintains fixed geometry for accurate positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If additional structural elements and sensors are added to address statically indeterminate load paths, then load monitoring is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the load path indeterminacy problem by creating a determinate structural configuration through the mechanical joint's constrained position. By designing the joint to naturally provide stable load paths when positioned correctly, the need for additional sensors and monitoring systems is eliminated, thus reducing system weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical joint structure itself provides the load path determination and stability functions that would otherwise require additional sensors and monitoring systems. The geometry and configuration of the joint automatically ensure stable load paths during operation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for extra weight-bearing monitoring components.
3Ease of operation
If the mechanical joint is in the floating position, then the actuator can unload, but the openings must be perfectly aligned, requiring high manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is segmented into the alignment guide and bracket components with separate elongated openings. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, and the floating mechanism accommodates minor misalignments through its degree of freedom, thus reducing the required manufacturing precision while maintaining the actuator unloading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated opening configuration creates a flexible mechanical path that can accommodate slight misalignments between the alignment guide and bracket. This flexible geometry allows the joint to tolerate manufacturing variations while still enabling the actuator to float and unload properly, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
4Measurement precision
If the mechanical joint switches between floating and non-floating modes, then load calculation accuracy is improved, but the joint mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical joint is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides positioning, load path determination, and mode transition capabilities. By integrating these functions into a single joint mechanism rather than separate components, the invention achieves accurate load calculation while minimizing the increase in overall joint mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide and bracket are merged into a integrated joint assembly where the elongated openings and rotation mechanism work together to provide both floating and constrained modes. This merging of components reduces the overall complexity compared to using separate mechanisms for each function, while still achieving accurate load calculation through the defined mode transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical joint is provided comprising a bracket having a first elongated opening formed therein. An alignment guide comprising a second elongated opening formed therein is configured to rotatably attach to the bracket and is moveable between a first, floating position, and a second, non-floating position. In the first position the first elongated opening of the bracket and the second elongated opening of the alignment guide are axially aligned with one another and define a single elongated opening. In the second position the first elongated opening of the bracket and the second elongated opening of the alignment guide are partially aligned with one another and define a generally circular opening. The alignment guide is configured to slideably attach to a moveable end of a linear actuator.