Parallel Link Device Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parallel link devices face challenges in reducing height and increasing the stroke length of the movable-side member, leading to increased space requirements when the movable-side member moves upward, as the inclined guide portion protrudes beyond the fixed-side member.
Innovation Solution
A parallel link device with six links and slide mechanisms, where each link has five rotational degrees of freedom and is connected to both the movable-side and fixed-side members with rotational and translational freedom, allowing the links to adjust within predetermined ranges to minimize height and maximize stroke length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the movable-side member is moved upward to decrease the spacing between the movable-side member and the fixed-side member, then the height direction spacing is reduced, but the inclined guide portion extends upward beyond the fixed-side member, increasing the overall height of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The connection point of the link to the fixed-side member is made movable along the side face of the fixed-side member, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its configuration. This dynamic adjustment enables the device to maintain a compact overall height while accommodating the movement of the movable-side member, as the connection point can shift position to optimize the spatial arrangement of the links.
2Productivity
If the movable-side member is moved upward by a large amount, then the height direction spacing is significantly reduced, but the required space in the Z direction increases due to the protruding inclined guide portion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection point is allowed to move not only in the height direction but also along the side face of the fixed-side member, effectively utilizing an additional dimension for movement. This multi-dimensional movement capability allows the system to achieve a large stroke for the movable-side member without proportionally increasing the overall device height, as the connection point can adjust its position along the side face to optimize the configuration.
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 solution effectively reduces the height of the parallel link device while increasing the stroke length of the movable-side member, enabling more compact operation and enhanced movement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of slide mechanisms is provided on a side face of the fixed-side member and holds the other end of the link movable along the slide mechanism within a predetermined range
Implementation Method 2
Each of the six links has one end connected to the movable-side member with at least two rotational degrees of freedom and the other end connected to the fixed-side member with at least two rotational degrees of freedom
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel link device whose height can be reduced particularly when a movable-side member is brought closer to a fixed-side member, and in which an amount of stroke of the movable-side member can be increased. Specifically, the parallel link device includes a fixed-side member, a movable-side member, six links, and slide mechanisms. Each of the six links has one end connected to the movable-side member with at least two rotational degrees of freedom, and the other end connected to the fixed-side member with at least two rotational degrees of freedom. A connection point of the other end and the fixed-side member is movable with respect to the fixed-side member. Each of the six links has five rotational degrees of freedom and a predetermined length. Each of the slide mechanisms is provided on the fixed-side member and holds the other end of the link movable within a predetermined range.