Magnetic Elastic Support Device for Frictionless Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compliance mechanisms, such as those using air cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, motors, compression springs, or weights, suffer from high friction and require large spaces due to multiple contact points, leading to inefficiencies and bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
An elastic support device utilizing magnetic forces between a first magnet and a second magnet to hold and return a movable member to its original position, eliminating contact friction and space requirements for springs, allowing for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power-driven compliance mechanisms (air cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or motor) are used, then the compliance function is achieved, but the device requires large power consumption and becomes large in size due to friction on contact portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the power-driven mechanical compliance mechanism (air cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or motor) with a passive elastic mechanism using compression springs. This substitution eliminates the need for external power sources and reduces friction by minimizing contact portions, thereby reducing both power consumption and device size while maintaining the compliance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power source components (air cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or motor) from the compliance mechanism, retaining only the essential elastic support function through compression springs. This extraction removes the sources of high power consumption and large device size associated with active compliance mechanisms.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If passive compliance mechanisms (compression spring or weight) are used, then power consumption is reduced, but the device requires large space due to the length of guide block and compression spring in the operating direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the compression spring is positioned within the guide block, and the elastic support device is integrated into the existing tool structure. This nesting allows the spring to be contained within the operational envelope of the tool, significantly reducing the space required in the operating direction while maintaining the compliance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reorients the compression spring to operate in a direction perpendicular to the main operating direction of the tool (e.g., radially outward from the axis of the articulated arm). This dimensional change allows the spring to provide compliance without increasing the length in the primary operating direction, thereby reducing the overall device footprint.
3Reliability
If multiple contact portions (sliding portions) are used in compliance mechanisms, then mechanical support is achieved, but friction on contact portions wastes power and increases device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-contact-point mechanical support system with a simplified elastic support mechanism using compression springs. This substitution reduces the number of contact portions and sliding interfaces, thereby minimizing friction losses while maintaining reliable mechanical support through the elastic properties of the spring.
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 magnetic support system reduces power consumption and achieves high accuracy and compactness by using non-contact magnetic forces for compliance, enabling efficient and precise movement without the need for additional space or power-wasting friction.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet holds the second member in an original position when the second member does not receive an external force, and the magnetic force returns the second member to the original position when the second member is moved due to receipt of an external force.
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic support device according to an embodiment includes: a first member including a first magnet; and a second member including a second magnet, disposed so as to face the first member, and movable relative to the first member in response to receipt of an external force. A magnetic force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet holds the second member in an original position when the second member does not receive an external force, and the magnetic force returns the second member to the original position when the second member is moved due to receipt of an external force.