Force Applying Mechanism with Parallel Flexible Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force amplification mechanisms, such as those used in spacecraft, face manufacturing complexity and increased torsion stresses when miniaturized, as the smaller diameter requires greater angular movement of intermediate rings, leading to higher torsion stresses in strut elements.
Innovation Solution
A force applying mechanism with first and second end elements linked by an intermediate element via flexible struts arranged in a two-dimensional array, where struts between the intermediate element and each end element have preferred bending directions parallel to a transverse direction, allowing for integral and parallel alignment of components, reducing torsion stresses and enabling efficient force amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the mechanism is reduced for miniaturization, then the mechanism becomes more compact, but the torsion stresses in the strut elements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of strut deformation from torsion to bending. By arranging struts to bend in parallel directions rather than twisting, the mechanism achieves force amplification without the torsion stresses that plague miniaturized versions of conventional designs. This parameter change allows smaller mechanisms to maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric strut arrangements where struts are positioned and oriented to bend in specific parallel directions rather than symmetric radial arrangements that cause torsion. The struts connect intermediate rings to end elements in a configuration that creates bending moments rather than torsional moments, resolving the stress issue during miniaturization.
2Force
If conventional force amplification mechanisms are used, then force amplification is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple strut elements into integrated structures where struts are arranged in parallel groups connecting intermediate rings to end elements. This consolidation simplifies manufacturing compared to conventional mechanisms that require complex radial strut arrangements, while maintaining the force amplification function through the parallel bending action of the combined strut groups.
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 mechanism provides a considerable mechanical advantage with reduced torsion stresses, allowing for high non-linear output load variation with minimal input load, suitable for applications requiring high loads and precise alignment, such as bearing preloads and various mechanical interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
flexible struts at locations that, in transverse sectional view, form a two-dimensional array, wherein all the flexible struts between the intermediate element and the first end element have preferred bending directions that are parallel to each other and to a transverse direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A force applying mechanism comprising first and second end plates (12 and 14) spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, and linked so they can undergo limited axial movement relative to each other, and an intermediate element (22) located between them and connected to them by flexible struts (30), wherein all the flexible struts on both sides of the intermediate element have preferred bending directions that are parallel to each other and to a transverse direction. Application of a force in the transverse direction to the intermediate element (22) bends the flexible struts (30) and brings about relative axial movement of the end plates (12 and 14). The flexible struts (30) may be in groups that form a hexagonal array.