Planar Drive Platform Coupling for Cable-Free Z-Axis Tool Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planar drive devices require additional energy sources and components for actuating working tools, limiting their flexibility and positioning freedom due to fixed energy supply lines and stored energy on the work platform.
Innovation Solution
The planar drive device adjusts the distance between the work platform and the X-Y plane by moving the drive member and gearbox in a perpendicular plane, allowing the working tool to be converted into different states through relative movement of the platforms, eliminating the need for additional energy supplies by utilizing existing drive energy, and enabling free positioning without obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary power source connected via cable is used to provide energy to the working tool, then energy supply is reliable, but the positioning freedom of the working tool is limited due to cable obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy supply function from the stationary power source and cable system, and instead integrates it into the movable second platform through an energy storage device. This allows the working tool to be powered without any cable connections, completely eliminating cable obstructions and enabling free positioning of the working tool within the XYZ workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The second platform serves dual functions: it positions the working tool in the XY plane and simultaneously provides energy to the working tool through its integrated energy storage device. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate cable-based power delivery, freeing the working tool from cable constraints.
2Ease of operation
If an energy storage device is placed on the work platform to power the working tool, then positioning freedom is improved, but the work platform can no longer be used exclusively for arranging the working tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy supply function from the work platform by placing the energy storage device on the second platform instead. This separation allows the first platform's work platform to be used exclusively for arranging the working tool, while the second platform handles both positioning and energy supply functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The second platform is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a positioning mechanism for the working tool in the XY plane and as an energy supply source through its integrated energy storage device. This consolidates multiple functions into one component, reducing overall system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If additional energy supply components are added to actuate the working tool, then the working tool can be powered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy storage device with the second platform, combining two separate components (platform and power source) into one integrated unit. This reduces the total number of components in the system and simplifies the overall device structure while ensuring reliable energy supply to the working tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The second platform is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning the working tool in the XY plane and providing energy through its integrated energy storage device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate energy supply components, reducing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a planar drive device (10) comprising a first platform (16) and a second platform (18) which are movable in an XY plane (14) on a drive table (12), wherein the first platform has a frame (20), a gearbox (22), and a working platform (24) for arranging a working tool (28), wherein the gearbox enables adjustment of the distance of the working platform to the XY plane, and wherein the second platform has a frame (30) and a drive element (32) which is at least indirectly coupled to the working platform in terms of movement, such that by changing the distance between the two platforms within the XY plane, the distance of the working platform to the XY plane can be adjusted. By relative movement of the platforms in the XY plane, the working tool can be moved into at least two different working states. The invention further relates to a method for operating a planar drive device.