Parallel-Kinematic Machine Gimbal Holder Base Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel-kinematical machines have heavy, costly, and complex base structures that are difficult to manufacture and transport, limiting their rigidity, accuracy, and ease of integration into production systems.
Innovation Solution
A parallel-kinematical machine design featuring three setting devices connected via universal gimbal rings and reinforcing beams with specific orientations and degrees of freedom, allowing for reduced weight, increased stiffness, and simplified manufacturing, while maintaining accuracy and ease of mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed block base with mounted universal joints is used, then the machine structure is stable, but the weight increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple separate base units (first base unit, second base unit, third base unit) instead of a single fixed block. Each base unit can be manufactured independently with simpler geometry, reducing individual component complexity and weight while maintaining overall structural stability through their interconnected arrangement.
2Strength
If high tolerance machining is performed on the base for universal joint seating, then the machine rigidity improves, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the base into multiple units, each unit requires less stringent tolerance specifications compared to a single monolithic base. The universal joints are distributed across multiple base units, allowing each unit to be manufactured with relaxed tolerances while the assembled structure achieves the required rigidity through the combined effect of all units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple base units are combined to form the complete base structure. The collective arrangement of these units provides the necessary rigidity and support for the universal joints, compensating for the relaxed individual tolerances of each unit through their integrated configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If a casted base is used, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the manufacturing precision and tolerances required decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is segmented into multiple units that can be manufactured using cost-effective casting methods. Each casted unit is designed with geometry that naturally accommodates the required tolerances, and the assembly of multiple units achieves the overall precision requirements without requiring high-precision machining of a single large component.
4Ease of operation
If a central hole is provided in the base for cable passage, then the cable routing is simplified, but the base strength and rigidity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a central hole through a single base, the base is segmented into multiple units with distributed cable passage features. Each base unit has its own localized cable routing provisions, eliminating the need for large central holes that would compromise the structural integrity of any single base unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel-kinematical machine (20) that includes three setting devices (24.1, 24.2, 24.3) each of which can be lengthened and shortened individually, wherein each setting device (24.1, 24.2, 24.3) is connected to a first, a second and a third respective inner gimbal ring (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) of universal gimbal joints (UGJ) and that each inner gimbal ring (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) is mounted in bearings (25, 26, 27) for rotation in gimbal holders (21, 22) which are rotationally mounted in outer gimbal bearings (28, 29, 39) in an outer mounting (290) wherein the first inner gimbal ring (23.1) and the third inner gimbal ring (23.3) are mounted for rotation in a common outer gimbal holder (21) which is mounted for rotation about a common gimbal axis (32, 52) and in that the second inner gimbal ring (23.2) is mounted for rotation in a single gimbal holder (22) which is mounted in two opposite bearings for rotation about a second gimbal axis (31, 51) which is not aligned with said common gimbal axis (32, 52).