Nested Rotary Component Kinematic System for Virtual-Axis Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kinematic systems that pivot objects about a virtual axis face challenges in being simple, stable, and space-efficient, especially when large angular ranges need to be covered in limited spatial conditions.
Innovation Solution
A planar kinematic system with parallel axes that can intersect at a point, utilizing four-link levers or rotating arms connected by coupling mechanisms, such as four-bar linkages or pulling means, to enable pivoting about a virtual axis with minimal space requirements and high angular range capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional articulated parallelogram systems are used to pivot objects about a virtual axis, then the system provides stable pivoting motion, but it requires a large amount of space and must be constructed in a solid and heavy manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the first and second rotary components within each other's operational space. The first rotary component is rotatably supported on the base, while the second rotary component is positioned such that its base portion corresponds to the object carrier of the first system. This nested arrangement allows both components to share the same spatial envelope, dramatically reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining the virtual axis pivoting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional articulated parallelogram system to a three-dimensional configuration. By introducing vertical stacking of rotary components and using coupling components that engage links from different planes, the system achieves compact spatial footprint while maintaining the required degrees of freedom and stability for virtual axis pivoting.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional articulated parallelogram systems are used to pivot objects about a virtual axis, then the system provides stable pivoting motion, but the structure must be constructed in a solid and heavy manner
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the second rotary component within the space occupied by the first rotary component, the patent eliminates the need for separate, heavy structural supports for each component. The coupled configuration allows shared structural elements and reduces redundant material, achieving weight reduction while maintaining stability through the coupled kinematic constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate rotary component systems into a single coupled configuration. The coupling components connect links from both rotary components, creating an integrated system where structural elements serve dual purposes. This merging eliminates redundant supports and reduces overall material requirements while maintaining the stability needed for precise virtual axis pivoting.
3Ease of operation
If two spatial kinematic systems are provided with intersecting articulation axes, then the device enables large pivot angles and stability, but it requires a relatively large amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by positioning the second rotary component's base portion (object carrier) within the operational envelope of the first rotary component. This allows both systems to achieve large pivot angles through their respective degrees of freedom while sharing the same physical space, rather than requiring separate spatial volumes for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses three-dimensional spatial arrangement to accommodate both rotary components with their intersecting articulation axes. By stacking components vertically and using coupling mechanisms that engage across different planes, the system achieves the large pivot angle capability of two independent systems within the spatial footprint of a single system.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for pivoting an object about a virtual axis by means of a kinematic system having a fixed base on which there is rotatably supported a first rotary component which has a first coupling component which rotates with respect to the base not in accordance with the rotary component, preferably not at all, characterized in that a second rotary component, constructed in a similar manner to the first, is connected to the first rotary component by means of the coupling components, whereby the portion thereof which in the case of the first rotary component corresponds to the base and which in this instance is the object carrier is rotated about the virtual axis.