Miniature Parallel Robot Flat Assembly for Complex Multi-Branch Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and manufacturing of miniature parallel robots with complex multi-parallel kinematic chain structures is hindered by size limitations, making conventional methods difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A flat design manufacturing method is employed, dividing the overall structure into assembly units and linkage units using longitudinal and transverse directions, with a multi-layer composite structure of flexible and rigid flat material layers, and utilizing disassembly and re-assembly techniques to form a miniature parallel robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional manufacturing methods are used for miniature parallel robots, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing capability is insufficient for complex multi-parallel kinematic chain structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex multi-parallel kinematic chain structure into multiple independent branches, each branch being further segmented into linkages and joints. This segmentation enables the complex structure to be manufactured using simple conventional methods by assembling pre-manufactured modular components rather than attempting to manufacture the entire complex structure as a single piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical nesting structure where the miniature parallel robot consists of nested levels: the overall robot structure contains multiple branches, each branch contains multiple linkages, and each linkage contains multiple joints. This nested organization allows complex functionality to be achieved through simple modular components assembled at different hierarchical levels.
2Ease of manufacture
If integrated flat design manufacturing is used, then manufacturing process is simplified, but processing difficulty increases for complex structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated flat design into separate manufacturing processes for different components (branches, linkages, joints). Each component can be manufactured with appropriate precision using suitable methods, and then assembled together. This avoids the need to manufacture the entire complex structure in one integrated process, reducing processing difficulty while maintaining overall precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-manufacturing standardized joint components and linkage components with precise geometries before final assembly. The branches are designed with pre-defined connection interfaces that facilitate precise assembly. This preliminary preparation of components with high precision enables the final assembled structure to achieve the required manufacturing precision without requiring the entire manufacturing process to maintain high precision throughout.
3Manufacturing precision
If the robot size is reduced to miniature scale, then precision and dynamic response are improved, but manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the miniature robot into modular components that can be manufactured using conventional methods and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured at a larger, more manageable scale with appropriate precision, and then assembled to form the complete miniature structure. The modular approach avoids the need to manufacture the entire miniature structure in one process, which would be extremely difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional monolithic manufacturing to a two-dimensional modular assembly approach. Individual components can be manufactured as flat or simple 3D parts using conventional methods, then assembled in a planar configuration to form the complete miniature parallel robot. This dimensional change in the manufacturing approach enables miniature-scale precision to be achieved through assembly rather than through difficult miniature machining operations.
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 method simplifies the design and manufacturing process, enabling the production of miniature parallel robots with high precision, rigidity, and dynamic performance, suitable for complex structures with more than three branches.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible flat material layer and the rigid flat material layers are fixed through adhesive material layers
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature parallel robot and a flat design manufacturing method, relating to the field of robots. A direction perpendicular to a fixed platform is used as a longitudinal direction and a direction parallel to the fixed platform is used as a transverse direction; the overall structure of a miniature parallel robot to be manufactured is divided in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction; then linkage units obtained by the division are manufactured on the basis of a flat machining process; and finally, the linkage units are recombined by re-assembly to obtain a final miniature parallel robot. The present invention simplifies the design process of the miniature parallel robot, and can be conveniently applied to different complex parallel robots (having more than three branches). Additionally, the miniature parallel robot designed and manufactured by means of the method has high precision, high rigidity, and high dynamic performance.