Intermediate Link Rotation Lock for Stable Tool Arm Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tool arm assemblies often experience unintentional rotation of arm links when users remove their hands, leading to safety issues and unintended tool movement.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate link with a second rotation lock mechanism that allows users to selectively prevent rotation of arm links, featuring a pin with a locked and unlocked position to engage with a lock interface area, ensuring the tool remains stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If intermediate links allow arm links to rotate freely about the rotation axis for tool positioning flexibility, then the ease of operation and positioning precision are improved, but unintentional rotation occurs when users remove their hands, leading to safety issues and unintended tool movement
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states based on user input. When unlocked, the arm link rotates freely for positioning; when locked, rotation is prevented for safety. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between operational flexibility and safety control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the arm link and the user's intent. It mediates between the desire for free rotation (positioning flexibility) and the need to prevent unintentional rotation (safety), allowing the system to switch between these opposing requirements.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to prevent unintentional rotation of arm links, then safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a spring-loaded pin that automatically engages with the shaft. The spring provides the locking force, and the mechanism locks itself when the shaft reaches certain positions, reducing the need for complex external locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, modular mechanism (the pin and spring assembly) that can be independently designed and maintained. This separation allows the lock to be a simple add-on component rather than integrating complexity into the entire arm link system.
Data Source
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AI summary
An intermediate link for a tool arm assembly is provided. The intermediate link includes first and second connectors that are at least partially rotatable about respective first and second rotation axes. The intermediate link includes first and/or second lock rotation mechanisms that are configured to selectively prevent rotation of the first and second connectors.