Force-Compensated Positioning Module for Low-Load Joint Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices occupy large installation spaces and are subjected to significant mechanical loads due to weight and load forces, with a limited operational range.
Innovation Solution
A positioning module with leg elements of constant length, each equipped with a separate drive module and a force compensation device, allowing for reduced mechanical load on the drive units and optimized space usage, and enabling modular expansion for enhanced freedom of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drive module is integrated into the leg element, then the positioning element can be moved, but the joint device must bear the weight of the drive causing increased mechanical load
Solution Approach 1:
The drive module is extracted from the leg element and relocated to the base. This separation removes the drive's weight from the joint device, eliminating the mechanical load problem while preserving the positioning functionality through the drive element that connects to the leg element.
2Force
If the drive module is relocated to the base, then mechanical load on the joint device is reduced, but the installation space requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The drive module utilizes the vertical dimension and depth of the base rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. By positioning the drive module within the base's volumetric space and using vertical leg elements, the design minimizes the installation space while accommodating the relocated drive components.
3Weight of moving object
If leg elements are made lighter and more delicate, then overall weight is reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The leg elements use optimized material parameters and cross-sectional geometry to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio. By changing the material properties and structural parameters rather than simply reducing size, the leg elements become lighter while maintaining the necessary structural strength to support positioning loads.
4Force
If a force compensation device is added to the drive element, then load and weight forces are prevented from entering the drive unit, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force compensation device uses a counterbalancing mechanism with a counterweight that offsets the weight and load forces acting on the drive element. This prevents excessive forces from entering the drive unit, protecting it while the complexity is managed through integrated design of the counterweight mechanism within the existing structural framework.
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 solution results in a lightweight, space-efficient design that minimizes mechanical stress on drive units and allows for a wider operational range and greater freedom of movement, including six degrees of freedom, suitable for various application configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The drive element is connected to a force compensation device with which a defined force can be exerted on this drive element along the direction of movement of this drive element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning module (1) with a base (2) and a positioning element (3) that is movable relative to the base (2), wherein the positioning element (3) is coupled to the base (2) via a leg element (4) of constant length, and the leg element (4) is connected to the positioning element (3) via a joint device (5), and the leg element (4) is assigned a drive module (6) arranged on the base with a drive unit (62), with a drive element (64) that is displaceable along a direction of movement by the drive unit (62), which is connected to the leg element (4) via a joint device (5), and with a force compensation device (7) connected to the drive element (64), wherein a defined force can be exerted on the drive element (64) along the direction of movement of the drive element (64) by means of the force compensation device (7).