Linear Differential Mechanism for Parallel Translation and Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-axis motion platforms with serial configurations face inefficiencies due to oversized translation drives and space utilization issues, while parallel configurations often require complex linkages or expensive parts.

Innovation Solution

A linear differential apparatus that enables parallel translation and rotation using right-hand and left-hand threaded rods with internal gears, allowing for independent rotation and translation without complex linkages or specialty parts, by rotating the rods to achieve motion in both axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a serial configuration is used for multi-axis motion platform, then the translation drive can carry the rotation drive, but the translation drive becomes oversized and space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural configurationVSAvoidtranslation drive size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motion platform is divided into independent parallel axes (translation axis and rotation axis) that operate separately. Each axis has its own drive system that does not carry the load of the other axis, eliminating the need for oversized translation drives while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear differential mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both translation motion and rotation motion through a compact integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate drive systems and reducing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a serial configuration is used for multi-axis motion platform, then the translation drive can carry the rotation drive, but space on the translation axis is consumed that could be utilized for translation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural configurationVSAvoidtranslation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a serial arrangement where components are stacked along one axis to a parallel arrangement where components are distributed across multiple dimensions. This allows both translation and rotation drives to occupy separate spatial zones, maximizing the utilization of translation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If a parallel configuration is used for multi-axis motion platform, then space utilization is improved, but complicated linkages or expensive specialty parts are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidlinkage complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linear differential mechanism is a self-contained unit that internally manages the coordination between translation and rotation motions. It uses simple, readily available components (threaded rods, gears, slide portion) that automatically interact to produce the desired parallel motion without requiring external complex linkages or specialty parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and specialty parts with a simplified system based on linear differential mechanics. The threaded rods and gears provide the necessary motion control through fundamental mechanical principles rather than through complicated linkage mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus efficiently facilitates both translation and rotation motions without the need for complex linkages or expensive components, optimizing space utilization and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

Right-hand and left-hand threaded rods are disposed through the slide portion and parallel to the translation axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

A gear with internal right-hand threads (henceforth referred to as a right-hand gear) is mated to the right-hand threaded rod, and a gear with internal left-hand threads (henceforth referred to as a left-hand gear) is mated to the left-hand threaded rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11320031B2Linear differential

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE LLC

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods of operating a linear differential (100, 600) are described herein. The linear differential (100, 600) contains a slide portion (102) with parallel right-hand and left-hand threaded rods (112, 114). Threaded onto the right-hand and left-hand threaded rods (112, 114) and attached to the slide portion (102) are right-hand and left-hand gears (116, 118). Meshed between the right-hand and left-hand gears (116, 118) and also attached to the slide portion (102) is a driven gear (200). An end effector (104) is attached to the driven gear (200) and is configured to translate along a translation axis (110) and rotate around a rotation axis (120).