Reaction Mass Vibration Isolation for Robotic Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face imprecision and poor processing results due to vibrations and disturbances, necessitating improved vibration isolation systems to reduce movement errors in applications like laser processing and tool manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The use of actuable reaction masses coupled with actuators to move the reaction mass in a corrective direction, reducing movement errors by applying reaction forces or torques, often through linear or rotary actuators, and supported by movement detection systems and controllers to adjust for external forces and resonances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional vibration isolation systems are used in robotic systems, then the system structure is simple, but vibration and disturbance cause imprecision and poor processing results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic vibration cancellation by continuously moving reaction masses in response to detected vibrations. The system uses sensors to detect payload movements and actuators to dynamically adjust reaction mass positions, creating time-varying counter-forces that adapt to changing vibration conditions rather than using static isolation structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reaction masses as intermediary elements between the payload and the robotic system. These reaction masses act as mediators that absorb and counteract vibration forces through actuator-driven movements, isolating the payload from disturbances without requiring complex passive isolation structures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reaction masses are moved to counteract vibrations, then vibration cancellation effectiveness improves, but the system may introduce additional vibrations or resonances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs closed-loop feedback control where sensors continuously monitor payload vibrations and feed this information to controllers that adjust actuator commands in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that reaction mass movements are precisely tuned to counteract actual vibrations while avoiding resonant frequencies that could amplify disturbances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by targeting specific frequency ranges and vibration modes for cancellation rather than attempting to eliminate all vibrations across the entire spectrum. The system focuses actuator effort on the most problematic vibration frequencies identified by sensors, avoiding over-correction that could induce new vibrations
3Manufacturing precision
If actuators are used to move reaction masses for vibration cancellation, then movement error reduction improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating actuators only when and where vibration cancellation is needed, rather than continuously operating all actuators. The system selectively engages reaction masses and actuators based on detected vibration levels and frequencies, reducing energy consumption while maintaining precision during critical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action by applying actuator forces at specific frequencies that match the detected vibration frequencies. This resonant-frequency targeting allows efficient vibration cancellation with minimal actuator effort, as the periodic forces naturally amplify the cancellation effect without requiring continuous high-energy input
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 approach effectively isolates payloads from vibrations and resonances, enhancing precision and stability in robotic systems by actively counteracting disturbances without introducing additional vibrations, thereby improving the accuracy of robotic operations.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is configured to move the reaction mass in response to a movement error of the payload to reduce the movement error of the payload
Implementation Method 2
the actuator is a linear actuator configured to translate the reaction mass along a linear direction corresponding to the corrective direction of the movement error to produce a reaction force
Implementation Method 3
the actuator comprises a rotary actuator configured to rotate the reaction mass about an axis of rotation to produce a rotational reaction torque along the corrective direction of the movement error
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a processing unit, a reaction mass, and a rotary actuator that is coupled to the reaction mass. The rotary actuator is configured to couple to the processing unit and to move the reaction mass in response to a movement error of the processing unit to reduce the movement error of the processing unit. The apparatus can be used with robotic systems to reduce movement errors.