Leaf-Spring Coupler for Precise Gantry Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Positioning devices in portal designs, such as gantry systems, face challenges in achieving precise positioning due to unwanted pivoting around perpendicular axes, which affects the rigidity and accuracy of the functional element's movement.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member with a central part and a surrounding part connected by spacer-forming leaf springs, allowing for controlled pivoting around a third linear direction while minimizing pivoting around the first and second linear directions, is designed to enhance rigidity and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the coupling between perpendicular linear guides is made rigid to prevent pivoting, then positioning precision is improved, but the ability to accommodate asynchronous movement of parallel linear guides is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is divided into multiple functional sections: a first section with leaf springs for pivotal connection allowing rotation about the vertical axis, and a second section with rigid connections for stable coupling to the linear guides. This segmentation enables different parts of the coupling element to perform different functions - accommodating asynchronous movement through controlled pivoting while maintaining positioning precision through rigid guide connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the coupling element have different stiffness characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The leaf spring section provides flexibility for asynchronous movement accommodation, while the connection sections to the linear guides provide rigidity for precise positioning. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling element allows pivoting to accommodate asynchronous movement, then adaptability is improved, but unwanted pivoting movements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates controlled dynamic pivoting capability through leaf springs that allow rotation about the vertical axis when asynchronous movement occurs. This dynamic adaptation is limited to the vertical axis while rigid connections prevent unwanted pivoting about horizontal axes, achieving adaptability without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is segmented into a pivotal section with leaf springs that allows controlled rotation, and rigid connection sections that prevent unwanted pivoting. This segmentation enables the system to distinguish between desirable pivoting (vertical axis for asynchronous accommodation) and undesirable pivoting (horizontal axes that affect positioning 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 coupling member achieves high rigidity against undesired pivoting around the second linear direction while allowing limited pivoting around the third linear direction, thereby improving the precision and stability of the positioning device.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of connecting leaf springs forming the distance, which connect the central part and the central section of the environment part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A coupling element (30) is proposed for a positioning device (100) comprising a first linear guide (10A) for guiding a first carriage (11A) along a first linear direction (X) and a second linear guide (20) for guiding a second carriage (21) along a second linear direction (Y) that is essentially perpendicular to the first linear direction (X). The coupling element (30) is designed to form a coupling between the first carriage (11A) and the second linear guide (20).The coupling element (30) comprises a central part (31); an environment part (32) arranged at a distance from and surrounding the central part (31), wherein the environment part (32) has a central section (321) surrounding the central part (31) and two end sections (322) adjacent to the central section (321) in the first linear direction (X); a plurality of the space-forming connecting leaf springs (33) connecting the central part (31) and the central section of the environment part (32) to each other, wherein the planes in which the connecting leaf springs (33) are arranged intersect at a center (Z0) of the central part (31); and, at each of the two end sections (322) of the environment part (32), a vertical leaf spring (323) arranged parallel to the first linear direction (X).