Pivot Drive With Intersecting Axes And Stationary Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pivot drives face challenges in achieving controlled movement of the output element with respect to the base without translational displacement of other axes, complicating the displacement process.

Innovation Solution

A pivot drive design where the pivot axes intersect at a point on the axis of rotation, combined with stationary mounting of rotation and pivot actuators, ensures independent axis control and prevents translational displacement of other axes during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pivot axes are arranged to intersect at a point on the axis of rotation, then the control of output element displacement is simplified and translational displacement of other axes is prevented, but the structural complexity of the pivot drive increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of output element displacementVSAvoidstructural complexity of pivot drive
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot drive is segmented into distinct functional components: a base, an output element, a drive element, and multiple actuators (rotation actuator and pivot actuators). Each component has a specific function, and their coordinated arrangement with intersecting pivot axes at a point on the rotation axis enables independent control of each degree of freedom without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot axes are arranged in a specific three-dimensional configuration where they intersect at a point on the axis of rotation. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions ensures that rotational movements around one axis do not cause translational displacements of other axes, achieving kinematic decoupling through geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the actuators are mounted in a stationary manner with respect to the base, then cables and conductors are protected from bending loads, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of cables and conductorsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation actuator and pivot actuators are merged into a single stationary mounting structure on the base. This consolidation ensures that all actuators remain fixed relative to the base during operation, preventing any displacement that could subject cables or conductors to bending loads, while sharing the structural support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the output element is supported on the drive element which is supported on the base, then the output element can be rotated and pivoted independently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent rotation and pivoting capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into hierarchical levels: the base provides foundational support, the drive element provides intermediate support and rotational capability, and the output element provides the final pivoting and operational interface. This segmentation enables independent control of rotation and pivoting movements while distributing mechanical loads across multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive element acts as an intermediary component between the base and the output element. It mediates the transmission of motion and forces, enabling the output element to achieve both rotation and pivoting movements while the actuators mounted on the base remain stationary. This intermediary structure decouples the complexity of multi-axis movement from the actuator mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4204193B1Pivot drive
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 THK CO LTD
  • EP4204193B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4204193B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4204193B1 patent drawingFigure 7

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).