Planetary Toothed Crown Positioning for Stable Heavy-Load Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems face challenges in achieving precise positioning of components, maintaining the reached position, and balancing cost, complexity, and performance, particularly when handling loads with significant weight.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical positioning device comprising three toothed crowns, where the first crown is connected to the component to be positioned, and the third crown rotates to engage satellite gears that interact with the first and second crowns, allowing precise positioning through a planetary geared mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stepper motors are used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved and cost is reduced, but power delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into two independent parts: a stepper motor for precise positioning control and a separate mechanical holding mechanism (friction-based clamp) for maintaining the position. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical holding mechanism is designed to automatically maintain the positioned component without requiring continuous power input or active control from the stepper motor. The friction-based clamp self-locks the component in place, eliminating the need for the motor to continuously counteract gravitational or external forces.
2Measurement precision
If vector control motors are used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but cost and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, complex vector control motors with a simpler, cheaper stepper motor combined with a passive mechanical holding mechanism. The mechanical clamp acts as a simple, low-cost solution that effectively maintains positioning without requiring sophisticated control electronics or high-power motors.
3Device complexity
If friction-based holding is used to maintain position, then structural simplicity is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to friction variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the positioning function (performed by the stepper motor with high precision) from the holding function (performed by the friction-based clamp). This segmentation allows the positioning mechanism to achieve high precision without being compromised by friction variability, while the holding mechanism maintains structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepper motor performs the preliminary action of positioning the component with high precision before the mechanical clamp engages to hold the position. This sequence ensures that the component is first placed in the exact desired position by the precise motor, then maintained there by the simple friction mechanism.
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional locking mechanisms are added to maintain position, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical clamp is designed as a self-service holding mechanism that automatically maintains the positioned component without requiring additional locking mechanisms, actuators, or control systems. The friction-based design inherently provides position stability through its passive mechanical action.
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 provides precise, stable positioning of components with a simple, cost-effective design, capable of maintaining the position without additional locking mechanisms, and adaptable to various load weights.
Implementation Method 1
a third crown (3) configured for rotating around said rotation axis, wherein said third crown (3) brings into rotation around said rotation axis said at least one satellite gear (4) engaged to said first crown (1) and to said second crown (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical positioning device for positioning a component includes a first toothed crown integrally connected, during use, to the component and rotating around a rotation axis and including a first toothing having N1 teeth and a lower toothing; a fixed second toothed crown including a second toothing having N2 teeth and an upper toothing; and a third toothed crown interposed between the first and second crowns and rotating around the rotation axis. The third crown includes a third toothing, a primary coupling toothing having the same number of teeth of the lower toothing, and a secondary coupling toothing having the same number of teeth of the upper toothing. At least one satellite gear is brought in rotation around the rotation axis by the third crown and engaged to the first and second toothings. N1 is different from N2. The device is configurable between a closed configuration wherein the first, second, and third crowns are integral with each other, and an open configuration wherein the first, second, and third crowns are spaced from each other.