Three-Axis Pivot Drive With Intersecting Pivot Axes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot drives face challenges in achieving controlled movement of the output element with respect to the base, as displacement around one axis can result in translational displacement of another axis, complicating the movement.
Innovation Solution
The pivot drive design features a base with a rotation actuator and pivot actuators mounted stationary to the base, with pivot axes intersecting at a point on the axis of rotation, allowing independent control of movements around all three axes without translational displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot axes are arranged such that they intersect at a point on the axis of rotation, then the control of displacement is simplified and translational displacement of other axes is avoided, but the structural complexity of the pivot drive increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot drive is divided into separate functional modules: a rotation actuator for yawing displacement and two or more pivot actuators for pivoting displacement. Each actuator is independently mounted on the base, allowing separate control of rotational and pivoting movements. This segmentation enables simplified control logic while managing structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axes are arranged in three-dimensional space to intersect at a point on the axis of rotation. This spatial arrangement ensures that pivoting movements around one axis do not cause translational displacement of other axes, as the intersection point serves as a common reference. The 3D configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling precise control while maintaining a manageable structure through careful geometric planning.
2Reliability
If all actuators are mounted in a stationary manner with respect to the base, then cable or conductor bending loads are avoided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation actuator and pivot actuators are merged into a single stationary mounting structure on the base. All actuators are fixed relative to the base, creating a unified stationary platform that eliminates cable bending issues. This consolidation improves reliability by preventing conductor damage while managing complexity through integrated mounting design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the output element is mounted to the drive element by means of a cardan joint or universal joint, then torque transmission is achieved while allowing pivot movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cardan joint or universal joint is introduced as an intermediary element between the drive element and the output element. This intermediate component serves as a mediator that transmits torque from the drive element to the output element while simultaneously accommodating pivot movements around the pivot axes. The cardan joint resolves the contradiction by enabling versatile motion capability while containing structural complexity within a well-established mechanical component.
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 design simplifies the control of the output element's displacement, ensuring precise movement around all axes while maintaining the actuators' stationary position, thus avoiding issues with cable or conductor bending loads.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing provides for a smooth, low friction and precise movement of the drive element with respect to the base
Implementation Method 2
The rotation actuator can be connected to the drive element by means of a gear arranged in the drive path between a rotation motor and the drive element. The gear allows to increase the torque provided by the rotation motor
Implementation Method 3
For a self-locking gear, a worm gear is particularly suitable
Implementation Method 4
the output element is mounted to the drive element by means of a cardan joint or a universal joint. This joint provides for torque transmission between the drive element and the output element while at the same time allowing the pivot movement of the output element with respect to the base
Implementation Method 5
each pivot actuator is operatively connected to a gear for converting a rotational movement of the pivot motor into a translational movement of the engagement element
Implementation Method 6
The pivot actuators can in particular be operatively connected to spindle drives for displacing the engagement elements in a translational manner
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot drive (1) having a base (10), an output element (12) which is mounted to the base (10) in a manner so as to be rotatable around an axis of rotation and pivotable around two or more pivot axes, the two or more pivot axes intersecting each other at a point of intersection which is arranged on the axis of rotation, and having a rotation actuator (30) and two or more pivot actuators (42, 44), the rotation actuator (30) and the pivot actuators (42, 44) being mounted in a stationary manner with respect to the base (10).