Linked Extension Tool With Tensioned Rigidity for Remote Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic arm assemblies are cost-prohibitive and complex for certain applications, making it difficult to reach remote or hard-to-access locations in a cost-efficient manner.
Innovation Solution
A selectively flexible extension tool with a plurality of links and passages, which can be moved between a slacked and tensioned position, allowing for pivoting and rigid fixation, respectively, and incorporating a line assembly with cables or ropes to facilitate movement and fluid flow through defined passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a robotic arm assembly is used to reach remote locations, then the ability to reach out-of-sight locations is improved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The extension tool is divided into multiple individual links (first link, second link, third link, etc.) that can be independently positioned and controlled. Each link can be independently actuated by separate control wires, allowing the system to reach complex remote locations through sequential positioning of segments rather than requiring a single complex robotic arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension tool utilizes flexible control wires that run through guides within each link to actuate the links. These flexible elements allow the rigid links to be positioned and held at various angles, creating a flexible yet rigid when needed extension structure that can reach around obstacles and into confined spaces without requiring complex robotic actuators at each joint.
2Ease of operation
If control wires are used to actuate links in a robotic arm, then the ability to control link movement is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is extracted from complex robotic actuators and simplified to basic control wires that run through guides in each link. Each link has its own control wire that can be independently tensioned to position and hold the link at the desired angle, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control electronics at each joint while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control wires work in conjunction with gravity and the structural geometry of the links to achieve positioning. Once a control wire is tensioned to position a link, the link holds its position through the mechanical arrangement of the guides and the balance of forces, without requiring continuous power or active control, thereby simplifying the overall control system.
3Length of moving object
If multiple links are used to form an extension tool, then the ability to reach remote locations is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension tool is composed of multiple discrete links that can be independently positioned. Each link contains integrated guides that channel the control wires, and the links connect through joints that allow angular adjustment. This segmentation allows the tool to achieve complex reach patterns through simple geometric arrangements rather than complex internal mechanisms within each link.
Solution Approach 2:
Each link in the assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for extension, contains guides for control wire routing, provides a joint for angular positioning, and maintains the structural integrity for fluid passage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall link assembly while maintaining the ability to reach remote locations.
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 extension tool provides a cost-effective means to reach remote locations by allowing flexible movement and rigid extension, while also enabling fluid flow through defined passages for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a line assembly operable with the plurality of sequentially arranged links to move the plurality of sequentially arranged links between a slacked position and a tensioned position
Implementation Method 2
The control wires may be coupled to one or more motors within a base of the robotic arm assembly, such that the robotic arm assembly may control a movement of the robotic arm by increasing and/or decreasing tension on the plurality of control wires
Data Source
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AI summary
An extension tool (100) includes a plurality of sequentially arranged links (106) moveable to a first position, the plurality of sequentially arranged links (106) rigidly fixed to one another in the first position, the plurality of sequentially arranged links (106) defining a first passage and a second passage, the second passage being separate from the first passage when the plurality of sequentially arranged links (106) are rigidly fixed to one another.