Multi-Axis Joint Assembly With a Fixed Pivot Point
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint devices for multi-axis motion fixtures in radar sensor testing are complex, costly, and heavy, limiting the range of motion and requiring dedicated software for control, while failing to maintain a constant rotation point during movement.
Innovation Solution
A joint device with a first end portion coupled to a linear actuator, a connector portion, and a second end portion for a rotatable object, featuring a pivotable connection about one axis and a cross joint with two axes of movement, allowing translation of linear motion into rotary motion and enabling rotation around two axes with a fixed pivot point, suitable for up to six-axis motion fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex joint configurations are used to increase the range of motion, then the range of motion is improved, but the device complexity, cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device is divided into distinct functional segments: a first joint portion providing rotation about a first axis, and a second joint portion providing rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. This segmentation allows each joint to be optimized independently while achieving combined multi-axis motion capability, reducing overall system complexity compared to a single complex joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two simple joint portions (each providing single-axis rotation) into a single integrated joint device that achieves two-axis rotation capability. This merging approach is simpler than using separate joints or complex universal joints, as the joints are arranged in series with a common rotation point, eliminating the need for intermediate shafts and complex coupling mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated software control is used for complex joint configurations, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device inherently maintains a constant rotation point through its mechanical design, where both joint portions share a common rotation point. This self-aligning mechanical structure automatically ensures positioning precision without requiring complex software control algorithms to compensate for mechanical errors, reducing the dependency on dedicated software.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex joint devices are used, then the range of motion is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the joint into two simple single-axis joint portions rather than using a single complex multi-axis joint, each component can be minimized in weight. The first joint portion rotates about a first axis and the second joint portion rotates about a second axis, with both sharing a common rotation point, eliminating the need for heavy intermediate shafts and complex bearing arrangements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple joints are used to articulate movement, then the range of motion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two single-axis joint portions into an integrated two-axis joint device with a common rotation point. This is simpler than using separate joints because the joints are coupled in series sharing a common pivot, eliminating the need for intermediate coupling mechanisms and reducing the overall number of components compared to traditional multi-joint articulation systems.
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 joint device provides increased flexibility and control for radar sensor testing, allowing precise positioning of vehicle parts relative to sensors, reducing weight and cost by using simple joint devices made from light materials, and enabling automation with servo motors for accurate manual control.
Implementation Method 1
the first end portion is pivotably attached to a proximate end of the connector portion about a pivot having one axis of movement, being a first axis
Implementation Method 2
the second end portion is pivotably attached to a distal end of the connector portion about a pivot having at least two axes of movement, being a second axis and third axis respectively
Implementation Method 3
the device enables a translation of linear motion, e.g. from the linear actuator, into rotary motion
Data Source
AI summary
A joint device includes a first end portion, a second intermediate portion, and a third end portion. The first end portion is pivotably connected to a proximate end of the second intermediate portion by a hinge having one axis of movement. The third end portion is pivotably connected to a distal end of the intermediate portion by a joint having two axes of movement.