Parallel Link Connection Structure With Bushing Phase Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring devices for connecting parallel links in robots fail to effectively restrict the distance between the links from increasing beyond a prescribed limit, leading to potential separation and operational instability.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure comprising bushings with claw portions and a biasing mechanism using a coil spring and hooks to regulate the distance between links, ensuring they remain within a prescribed limit through elastic restoring force and precise attachment phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring device is used to connect parallel links, then the links are pulled closer together, but the distance between the links cannot be effectively restricted from increasing beyond a prescribed limit
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into separate functional components: bushings for rotation, a biasing mechanism for elastic force, and a connection member with attachment holes for distance regulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushings act as intermediary elements between the links and the connection member, providing rotational freedom while maintaining the connection. The biasing mechanism serves as an intermediary that applies elastic restoring force to regulate the distance between links, preventing separation beyond the prescribed limit.
2Manufacturing precision
If the attachment holes are formed to allow bushings to pass only at a prescribed attachment phase, then assembly precision is improved, but the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment holes are pre-formed with specific shapes that correspond to the claw portions of the bushings. This preliminary design ensures that when assembly occurs, the bushings can only pass through the attachment holes at the correct attachment phase, automatically achieving precise positioning without requiring additional adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-matched attachment holes and claw portions create a self-aligning assembly mechanism. The bushings automatically orient themselves to the correct phase during assembly due to the geometric constraints, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex positioning procedures.
3Reliability
If the elastic restoring force regulates the bushing phase, then operational stability is improved, but the force required to separate the links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism provides a dynamic elastic restoring force that continuously regulates the phase of the bushings during operation. This dynamic force adaptation ensures operational stability by automatically adjusting to maintain the prescribed distance between links, while the elastic nature of the force allows for controlled separation when needed.
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 stabilizes the connection between parallel links, preventing unintended separation and ensuring smooth operation without rattling, while allowing for easy assembly and accommodating minor changes due to aging or wear.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism spanning between the bushings of the two links and applying an elastic restoring force to the two bushings in a direction in which the two bushings move closer together
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure includes bushings attached to two links so as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a plane containing two longitudinal axes of the two links; a biasing mechanism spanning between the bushings of the two links and applying an elastic restoring force in a direction in which the two bushings move closer together; and a connection member having two attachment holes through which the bushings can pass in a direction of the axis and regulating a distance between the bushings to be less than or equal to a prescribed distance. The bushings include claw portions projecting radially outward. The attachment holes are formed in a shape allowing the bushings to pass therethrough at a prescribed attachment phase around the axis coinciding with the claw portions of the bushings. A phase of the bushings is regulated to a phase that does not match the attachment phase.