Modular Carriage Carrier System for Extended Positioning Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems have a limited positioning range due to the small size of the positioning area, which is restricted by the dimensions of the drive gears and carriage carrier, making it difficult to achieve larger movements with compact gear configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular carriage carrier system with multiple carrier modules aligned in a Cartesian coordinate system, each equipped with x and y drive gears, allowing the positioning carriage to interact with multiple modules for extended movement ranges by using a two-dimensional tooth matrix that can mesh with both x and y drive gears, enabling coordinated movement in any direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the positioning range is increased by using longer drive gears, then the positioning area is improved, but the device dimensions and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage carrier is divided into multiple modular carrier modules (7) that can be lined up in a two-dimensional arrangement. Each module contains its own drive gears (13a, 13b), allowing the positioning carriage to access drive gears across multiple modules thereby extending the positioning area without requiring a single large-volume carriage carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of drive gears to a two-dimensional modular matrix arrangement. The carrier modules are lined up both in the x-axis direction and y-axis direction, creating a grid-like structure that expands the positioning area in multiple directions simultaneously while maintaining compact individual module dimensions.
2Area of moving object
If the positioning range is increased by using longer drive gears, then the positioning area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into identical or similar carrier modules that can be replicated and lined up. This modular approach allows complex functionality to be achieved through repetition of simple, standardized units rather than through a single complex monolithic structure, making the system easier to design, manufacture, and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
Each carrier module is designed as a universal unit that can function independently and also contributes to the overall system when combined with other modules. The drive gears in each module can engage with the positioning carriage, and the modules can be arranged in various configurations to meet different positioning area requirements, providing flexibility and multi-functionality.
3Volume of stationary object
If compact drive gear dimensions are used, then the device size is reduced, but the positioning range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by arranging multiple compact drive gear modules in a two-dimensional matrix rather than using a single large drive gear. The positioning carriage can move across multiple modules in both x and y directions, effectively extending the positioning range while each individual drive gear remains compact in size.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple compact carrier modules, each containing drive gears, are merged into a coordinated system where the positioning carriage can sequentially engage with drive gears across different modules. This combining of multiple compact units achieves the functionality of a single large drive gear system while maintaining the advantages of compact individual components.
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 allows for a large positioning range with compact drive gears, optimizing the use of the carriage carrier's base area and enabling the positioning carriage to move beyond the carrier's edges, while maintaining modular flexibility and efficient energy transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the carriage carrier has at least one x-drive gear that can be driven by drive means for a drive rotary motion about a rotational axis parallel to the y-axis of the coordinate system, each y-drive gear and each x-drive gear having a drive toothing on its outer circumference
Implementation Method 2
the positioning carriage has an output toothing structure, with which it simultaneously with the drive toothings of at least one x-drive gear and at least one y-drive gear is in meshing engagement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A positioning system (1) is proposed, comprising a carriage carrier (3) on which a positioning carriage (2) is arranged. The positioning carriage (2) can be driven by means of drive gears (13) of the carriage carrier (3) to perform a positioning movement (4) in a positioning plane (5), wherein the positioning plane (5) is defined by a Cartesian xy coordinate system. Among the drive gears (13) is at least one x-drive gear (13a) capable of producing a positioning movement (4) in the x-axis direction, and at least one y-drive gear (13b) capable of producing a positioning movement (4) in the y-axis direction. The drive gears (13) engage with an output gear structure (23) of the positioning slide (2), which has a plurality of output teeth (24) that are distributed at points in a regular two-dimensional tooth matrix (25).The positioning system (1) enables the positioning carriage (2) to move over a large positioning area despite the short drive gears (13).