Magnetically Biased Articulated Joint for Low-Power Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated joints in metrology apparatuses, such as those used in coordinate measuring machines, require high motor power and mechanical components that lead to increased wear, heat generation, and reduced efficiency, especially when transitioning between locked and unlocked configurations.
Innovation Solution
An articulated joint with a magnetically biased prop and supplemental bias member that allows for near-infinite positioning and reduced motor power consumption by using magnetic forces to retain the joint in locked and unlocked states, supplemented by a non-motorized bias mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor-driven prop is used to lock and unlock the articulated joint, then the joint can be securely locked in position, but the motor requires high power and generates heat and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical locking system with a magnetic field-based locking system. Magnets are positioned on the prop and the articulated joint body to create magnetic attraction forces that secure the joint in locked positions without requiring continuous motor power. The motor only needs to overcome magnetic attraction during unlocking, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates only when transitioning between locked and unlocked states. During locked operation, the magnetic field maintains the position without motor power input. This periodic operation pattern reduces cumulative energy consumption and heat generation while preserving reliable locking functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven prop is used to transition between locked and unlocked configurations, then the joint can be repositioned, but mechanical wear increases and component life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based retention system replaces continuous mechanical contact and friction-based locking. The magnetic attraction holds the joint securely without mechanical wear, while the motor only needs to provide brief pulses to overcome magnetic force during transitions. This substitution dramatically reduces wear on mechanical components like gears, bearings, and contact surfaces, extending service life while preserving full repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field provides self-retaining force that maintains locked positions without continuous motor intervention. The system uses the magnetic attraction between stationary magnets on the joint body and magnets on the prop to hold positions automatically, reducing the frequency and intensity of motor activation and thereby reducing wear on motor components and drive mechanisms.
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical locking mechanisms are used, then the joint can be secured, but heat generation increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes magnetic field interaction for mechanical friction-based locking. Magnetic attraction forces secure the joint without the sliding friction and impact forces that generate heat in traditional mechanical systems. The motor only generates heat during brief unlocking transitions when overcoming magnetic attraction, rather than during continuous locking operation, significantly reducing overall heat generation while maintaining joint security.
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
This configuration reduces wear, heat generation, and motor power requirements, enhancing efficiency, longevity, and reducing costs while providing precise, repeatable positioning of measurement probes.
Implementation Method 1
the prop and the second body being magnetically biased toward each other so as to magnetically retain the first and second bodies
Implementation Method 2
at least one supplemental bias member configured to bias the prop towards its retracted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A metrology apparatus including an articulated joint having: first and second bodies which can be locked together in a plurality of different angular orientations about a first axis; the first body including a prop which is actuatable by a motor between a retracted configuration at which the first and second bodies are in their locked state, and an extended configuration at which the first and second bodies are held apart by the prop along the first axis such that the first and second bodies are unlocked thereby permitting relative rotation of the first and second bodies, the prop and the second body being magnetically biased toward each other so as to magnetically retain the first and second bodies; and further including at least one supplemental bias member configured to bias the prop towards its retracted configuration.