Orthogonal Linear Motion Table Unit for Low Profile Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table units require a higher profile due to the need for mechanisms that allow movement in both horizontal and vertical directions, which complicates their design and increases their overall size.
Innovation Solution
A table unit with a base portion, support portion, and table portion, utilizing multiple linear motion mechanisms and drive portions to enable precise, efficient movement in orthogonal directions, reducing the overall profile by minimizing the size of the mechanisms perpendicular to the base surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear motion mechanisms are used to enable movement in both horizontal and vertical directions, then the table unit achieves versatile positioning capability, but the profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the linear motion mechanisms so that rails extend in horizontal directions (X and Y directions) rather than vertically. The sliders move along these horizontally extending rails, enabling the table to achieve positioning in multiple directions while keeping the mechanism profile height low. This dimensional reorientation allows the system to gain versatility without increasing profile height.
2Ease of operation
If the linear motion mechanisms are configured with rails extending in orthogonal directions, then the table achieves smooth movement in multiple directions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into multiple independent linear motion mechanisms, each responsible for movement in a specific direction. Each mechanism consists of a rail and slider pair that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and straightforward, while the combination provides complex multi-directional movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each linear motion mechanism is designed with universal functionality to handle movement in its designated direction. The rails extend in orthogonal directions (X, Y, and Z directions) and the sliders can move smoothly along these rails. This universal design pattern allows the same basic mechanism structure to be reused multiple times with different orientations, reducing overall system complexity.
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 table unit achieves a lower profile by enabling smooth and stable movement in multiple directions through orthogonal linear motion mechanisms, facilitated by ball screws and motors, allowing precise positioning and efficient cable management.
Implementation Method 1
The first linear motion mechanism includes a first rail extending in a first direction, and a first slider movable in the first direction along the first rail
Data Source
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AI summary
A table unit includes: a base portion; a first linear motion mechanism including a first rail and a first slider; a support portion movable in a first direction together with the first slider, the support portion including a first support surface attached to the first slider and a second support surface spaced apart from the first support surface in a direction perpendicular to a base surface; a second linear motion mechanism including a second rail and a second slider; a table portion movable in a second direction together with the second slider, the table portion including a first table surface, a second table surface, a third table surface, and a fourth table surface; a third linear motion mechanism including a third rail and a third slider; a fourth linear motion mechanism including a fourth rail, attached to the fourth table surface, and a fourth slider; a first drive portion causing a first movable portion attached to the third slider to perform a linear reciprocating motion in the first direction; and a second drive portion causing a second movable portion attached to the fourth slider to perform a linear reciprocating motion in the first direction.