Hoeken's Linkage Rotary Actuator for Compact Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active vibration control systems face challenges in providing sufficient linear travel within limited spaces and are costly and complex, particularly with linear motors used in applications like vehicle seat vibration control.
Innovation Solution
A rotary motor-based active vibration control device employing a Hoeken's linkage mechanism to convert rotary motion into linear motion, offering a compact, cost-effective solution with a range of linear travel and constant torque over a significant displacement range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a linear motor is used to provide sufficient linear travel, then the linear motion capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear motor with a rotary motor coupled to a four-bar linkage mechanism. This substitution converts a direct linear motion system into a rotary-to-linear motion conversion system, reducing actuator complexity while achieving the required linear travel through mechanical advantage and linkage geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motion function is segmented into multiple rotating components (crank, connecting rod, slider) that work together through a four-bar linkage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall actuator design compared to a monolithic linear motor.
2Manufacturing precision
If a linear motor is used to control position, then the positioning capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive linear motors with more cost-effective rotary motors and standard four-bar linkage components. This mechanical substitution maintains positioning capability through the linkage mechanism while significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameter from direct linear actuation to rotary actuation with mechanical conversion. This parameter change enables the use of cheaper rotary motors and standard mechanical components while achieving the required positioning precision through linkage geometry and control algorithms.
3Length of moving object
If a linear motor is used within limited space, then the linear travel is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear motion problem into a rotary motion problem, utilizing the rotational dimension to achieve linear travel. The four-bar linkage mechanism converts rotary motion from the motor into linear motion at the slider, allowing compact packaging within limited space while maintaining the required linear travel distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the four-bar linkage components (crank, connecting rod, slider) within a compact arrangement where the rotary motor drives the crank which in turn drives the connecting rod and slider. This nested configuration maximizes linear travel output while minimizing the overall actuator volume.
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 provides effective and efficient active vibration control with reduced complexity and cost, enabling linear motion in limited spaces while maintaining performance comparable to linear motors.
Implementation Method 1
a linkage including at least two pivotably-joined links connecting the rotary motor to the body. The linkage is arranged as a Hoeken's linkage and configured to convert rotary motion output from the motor into a linear motion of the body
Data Source
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AI summary
An active vibration control device is provided that is configured to control the position of a body relative to a reference frame. The control device includes sensors that provide input signals corresponding to movement of the body in at least one direction, a rotary motor configured to control the position of the body, and four-bar linkage connecting the rotary motor to the body. The linkage converts the rotary motion output from the motor into a linear motion of the body. The controller, based on the input signals from the reference frame sensors, provides control signals to the rotary motor which acts through the linkage to position the body in the at least one direction relative to the position of the reference frame.