Overlapping Link Linear Motion Mechanism for Compact Robot Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional expansion/contraction linear motion mechanisms occupy large spaces due to the arrangement of links in the horizontal direction, leading to an overall increase in size.
Innovation Solution
The mechanism incorporates a first and second link with overlapping configurations, utilizing sprockets and a chain connected to both ends of the second link, allowing the links to move in a perpendicular direction as the drive sprocket is driven, thereby reducing the horizontal footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If links are arranged in the horizontal direction for expansion/contraction linear motion, then the mechanism achieves linear motion functionality, but the space occupied by the links becomes large and the mechanism becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of links to a vertical arrangement where links overlap in the vertical direction. The first link and second link are positioned such that they overlap partially in the vertical direction, converting a two-dimensional horizontal layout into a three-dimensional vertical configuration. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve the same linear motion functionality while significantly reducing the horizontal footprint and overall size of the mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple links are arranged horizontally to achieve expansion/contraction motion, then the mechanism achieves the desired motion range, but the overall size of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the first link and second link overlap in the vertical direction, with the second link positioned below the first link. The chain connects sprockets on both links, creating a nested structure where the links are arranged one above the other rather than side by side. This nesting approach allows the mechanism to achieve the required expansion/contraction motion range while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent rearranges the links from a horizontal two-dimensional arrangement to a vertical three-dimensional arrangement where links overlap in the vertical direction. This dimensional transformation enables the mechanism to maintain its motion capabilities while significantly reducing its horizontal footprint and overall size.
3Ease of operation
If links are arranged horizontally for expansion/contraction motion, then the mechanism achieves linear motion capability, but the horizontal footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the spatial arrangement from horizontal to vertical by positioning the first link and second link to overlap in the vertical direction. The chain connects sprockets arranged vertically, transforming the mechanism's footprint from a horizontal spread to a vertical compact configuration. This dimensional shift dramatically reduces the horizontal area occupied by the mechanism while preserving linear motion 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
This configuration enables a significant downsizing of the mechanism and the moving body, while maintaining functionality and durability through the use of dustproof and waterproof components, and absorbing impact forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a chain that connects the sprockets to each other, both ends of the chain being connected to the second link
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a moving body and an expansion/contraction linear motion mechanism enabling the moving body that includes the expansion/contraction linear motion mechanism to be downsized.A moving body includes an expansion/contraction linear motion mechanism that expands and contracts in a first direction. The expansion/contraction linear motion mechanism includes a first link, a second link, a plurality of sprockets that includes a drive sprocket arranged on the first link and that is arranged on a plane parallel to the first direction, and a chain that connects the sprockets to each other, both ends of the chain being connected to the second link. The first link and the second link at least partially overlap in a second direction perpendicular to the plane. As the drive sprocket is driven, the first link and the second link move in the first direction so as to approach or separate from each other. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a leg robot.