Actuation System with Lozenge Mechanism for Synchronized Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation systems for optical instruments in space face challenges in balancing loads and moments internally, synchronizing multiple modulator plates' motions, and maintaining stability during launch accelerations without external lashing systems, leading to motion dispersions and disturbances.
Innovation Solution
The actuation system employs a combination of articulated levers with a linear actuator and motion transmission devices forming a lozenge shape, allowing for synchronized opposite motions in rotation or translation, eliminating external disturbances and using the actuators to convey vibratory loads, thus eliminating the need for specific lashing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific actuators are used for each mobile element, then the motion control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single actuator by using a parallelogram mechanism. The actuator controls the position of one vertex of the parallelogram, which automatically coordinates the positions of multiple mobile elements through the rigid arm connections, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each element while maintaining synchronized motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallelogram mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single actuator and multiple mobile elements. The rigid arms and articulated joints of the parallelogram transmit and coordinate the actuator's motion to multiple elements, ensuring synchronized movement without requiring direct actuation of each element.
2Measurement precision
If electronic synchronization circuits are used, then the motion synchronization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic synchronization circuits with a mechanical synchronization system based on the parallelogram mechanism. The rigid arms and articulated joints physically enforce synchronized motion of multiple elements, eliminating the need for complex electronic control circuits while achieving precise motion coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallelogram mechanism dynamically maintains the geometric relationship between multiple mobile elements through rigid arm connections. As one element moves, the parallelogram's geometry automatically adjusts to coordinate the motion of other elements, providing real-time mechanical synchronization without electronic intervention.
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used for each element, then the motion control precision is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuation functions into a single actuator by using a parallelogram mechanism. The actuator controls the position of one vertex of the parallelogram, which automatically coordinates the positions of multiple mobile elements through the rigid arm connections, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each element while maintaining synchronized motion control.
4Measurement precision
If complex electronic synchronization circuits are used, then the motion synchronization is improved, but the dispersion towards the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic synchronization circuits with a mechanical synchronization system based on the parallelogram mechanism. The rigid arms and articulated joints physically enforce synchronized motion of multiple elements, eliminating the need for complex electronic control circuits while achieving precise motion coordination without generating dispersions.
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 system achieves precise, automatic synchronization of mobile elements' motions, maintains stability under external loads, and extends the system's lifetime, ensuring accurate optical path adjustments without disturbing the instrument's environment.
Implementation Method 1
The actuators are of piezo-electric type
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation system for at least two mobile elements with dynamically compensated and opposite relative motions, without disturbance of the elements fixed in the same rigid structure as it, and resistant to exterior loadings, in the case of a translational motion of the mobile elements, includes, in a rigid structure, at least one linear actuator linked to a motion transmission device with four rigid arms, articulated at their ends and forming a lozenge, of which each of two first opposite vertices is linked to a corresponding mobile element, and whose other two opposite vertices have a single translational degree of freedom.