Motorized Goniometer with Threaded Drive for Precise Elevation Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current goniometer systems face challenges in achieving precise positioning due to gaps and wear in worm gear mechanisms and conical parts, leading to reduced precision and instability, especially when handling heavy optical devices on rotational axes.
Innovation Solution
A motorized goniometer utilizing a threaded shaft and motion converter to transmit rotational motion from a motor, enabling precise positioning by converting linear motion to rotational motion without gaps, and incorporating an encoder for angle measurement and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If worm gear mechanism is used to provide elevation motion in goniometer, then motion control is enabled, but gaps between gears and wear over time occur leading to reduced positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional worm gear mechanism with a direct drive system where the motor shaft is directly connected to the goniometer table through precision bearings. This eliminates the gear meshing interface that causes gaps and wear, thereby maintaining positioning precision throughout the service life without mechanical degradation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heavy devices are mounted on gimbal rotational axis, then testing capability is enabled, but momentum on rotational axis reduces position precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a direct drive mechanism with a motor directly coupled to the goniometer table through precision bearings, eliminating gear reduction stages. This provides high positioning precision even when heavy optical devices are mounted, as the direct connection minimizes backlash and mechanical play while maintaining the ability to test heavy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates encoders that provide feedback on the rotational position of the goniometer table. This feedback mechanism allows for precise control and compensation of position errors, maintaining high measurement precision even when heavy devices create momentum on the rotational axis.
3Ease of operation
If gear mechanism with gaps is used for motion transmission, then motion conversion is enabled, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to gaps and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gear mechanism with a direct drive system where the motor shaft is directly connected to the goniometer table. This eliminates the need for motion conversion through gears, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy without the detrimental effects of gear gaps and wear while preserving full motion conversion capability.
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
Enables precise and stable rotational motion with reduced wear, allowing for accurate positioning and angle measurement, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of optical device testing.
Implementation Method 1
threaded shaft (2) which transmits the drive received from said motor (1) to other elements of the mechanism, nut (3) which moves forward and backward on the x axis by means of being engaged on said threaded shaft (2)
Implementation Method 2
incorporating an encoder for angle measurement and control
Implementation Method 3
motion converter (4) to which the nut (3) is connected, which moves in a linear manner by means of the push-pull motion of said nut and moves said half-moon part (11) with the motion it received and converts linear motion to rotational motion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a motorized goniometer which is developed on the elevation axis, in order to provide position sensitivity because the devices mounted on the gimbal are heavy and form momentum on the rotational axis, in the axis gimbal systems which used for testing the optical devices.