Kinematic Component With Opposed Adjustment and Shared Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Kinematic components with endless rotating movements face challenges when actuators lose their pre-stored reference due to errors or power failures, leading to uncertainty about the actual position of individual parts, necessitating multiple sensors for each actuator.

Innovation Solution

A kinematic component design featuring a rotatable actuator that transmits rotary movement to two movably adjustable components in opposite directions, utilizing a drive unit and actuating elements to independently adjust these components without end stops, allowing for compact and damage-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sensors are provided for each actuator to detect position in endless rotating movements, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensing functions for multiple actuators into a single sensor unit. The sensor unit detects the position of at least one component and provides this information to multiple actuators simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each actuator while maintaining positioning reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sensor unit serves multiple actuators universally, providing position information to all of them. This multi-functional approach allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple sensors, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable positioning control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If end stops are provided to establish reference positions, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical end stop system with an electronic/reference-based positioning system. The sensor unit detects component positions without requiring physical end stops, and actuators use this information to establish reference positions electronically, eliminating mechanical contact and potential damage while maintaining measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the sensor-detected position information to automatically establish references and guide actuator movements without requiring external mechanical constraints. The actuators self-regulate their positioning based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for end stops and improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12492741B2Kinematic component

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 GRAMMER AG

AI summary

A kinematic component comprising a first movably adjustable component, a second movably adjustable component and a device which has a rotatable actuator, wherein the device is preferably provided and designed for this purpose, transmitting a rotary movement of the actuator to the movably adjustable components, the first movably adjustable component being adjustable in a first direction of rotation of the actuator and the second movably adjustable component being adjustable in a second direction of rotation of the actuator, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation.