Joint assembly for linear actuator of motion simulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motion simulators face challenges with wear and deviation from targeted displacement trajectories due to complex loading conditions, which affect the performance and longevity of actuated linkages with mechanical joints.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly is designed with a housing, a slider constrained for planar movement and rotational freedom, and an annular resilient member that biases the slider toward a neutral configuration, enhancing the joint's ability to manage wear and maintain precise displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical joints are used in actuated linkages of motion simulators, then the linkage can achieve multi-degree-of-freedom movement, but the joint is prone to wear and deviation from targeted displacement trajectories due to complex loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a spherical joint mechanism for multi-DOF movement, a separate resilient member (annular spring) for providing biasing force, and a housing with a slider for constrained movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the spherical joint handles movement versatility while the resilient member and slider mechanism address wear and precision concerns through controlled engagement and biasing forces.
2Strength
If a spherical joint is used at either end of the linear actuator linkage, then the joint can accommodate complex loading conditions, but wear and deviation from targeted displacement trajectories occur
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member acts as an intermediary element between the spherical joint and the housing. It provides a biasing force that maintains proper engagement of the spherical joint while allowing controlled movement. This intermediary component absorbs some of the complex loading stresses, reducing direct wear on the spherical joint surfaces while maintaining the joint's ability to handle multi-axial loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member changes its elastic properties (force constant, deflection) based on the operating conditions and loading state. As the joint moves through different positions and experiences varying loads, the spring's biasing force dynamically adjusts, maintaining optimal engagement and reducing wear across the full range of motion while preserving displacement accuracy.
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 joint assembly effectively mitigates wear and maintains precise displacement trajectories, improving the reliability and longevity of motion simulators by adapting to complex loading conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an annular resilient member in the annular volume, the annular resilient member exerting a biasing force between the slider and the housing toward a neutral configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly has a housing having an inner wall surrounding an interior cavity of the housing. A slider is held captive in the interior cavity of the housing so as to define an annular volume extending radially between the slider and the inner wall of housing, the slider constrained to planar movement and a rotational degree of freedom in the housing. An annular resilient member is in the annular volume, the annular resilient member exerting a biasing force between the slider and the housing toward a neutral configuration. The housing is adapted to be connected to one of a ground/base/motion platform and a linear actuator, and the slider is adapted to be connected to the other of the ground/base/motion platform and the linear actuator.