Rotary Joint Stabilizer Shaft Dynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque bars connecting rotatable bodies in systems like radar antennas suffer from misalignment due to radial distance variations and axis deviations, leading to inaccurate positional measurements.
Innovation Solution
A rotary joint constant velocity stabilizer with a variable shaft configuration that compensates for radial distance changes by allowing axial sliding and rotational motion, maintaining a consistent angular bearing between rotatable bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional rigid torque bar is used to connect rotatable bodies, then structural strength and rigidity are maintained, but misalignment and bending occur due to radial distance variations and axis deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid torque bar into a dynamic connection system featuring a variable length shaft with universal joints at both ends. This allows the shaft to dynamically adjust its length and orientation in response to radial distance variations and axis deviations, maintaining proper alignment while transmitting torque between rotatable bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the shaft length to vary dynamically through the universal joint mechanism. This parameter change allows the connection to adapt to changing radial distances and axis positions, preventing misalignment and bending while maintaining structural integrity during rotation.
2Reliability
If a rigid torque bar is used to maintain structural integrity, then bending and deflection occur leading to inaccurate encoder measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint-based variable length shaft provides a dynamic connection that moves with the rotatable bodies, maintaining constant angular bearing relationships. This dynamic adaptation prevents bending and deflection that would otherwise cause encoder misalignment and measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joints act as intermediary elements between the rotatable bodies, absorbing and accommodating radial distance variations and axis deviations. This intermediary mechanism protects the encoder system from misalignment while maintaining reliable structural connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the shaft length is fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but misalignment occurs due to component run-out and axis variations
Solution Approach 1:
The variable length shaft with universal joints provides a relatively simple dynamic mechanism that accommodates run-out and axis variations without requiring complex active control systems. The universal joints naturally compensate for misalignment through their geometric design, maintaining precision while remaining manufacturable.
4Device complexity
If conventional torque bars are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but bending and deflection reduce system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint-based variable length shaft creates a dynamic connection structure that, while slightly more complex than a rigid bar, provides superior reliability by eliminating bending and deflection. The mechanism maintains constant angular relationships, ensuring accurate encoder measurements and reliable system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary joint constant velocity stabilizer for connecting a first rotatable body and a second rotatable body, the first and second rotatable bodies being rotatable about a generally common axis of rotation and rotatable at substantially similar angular velocities. The rotary joint constant velocity stabilizer has a first base, a second base, and a shaft. The shaft is connected to first base such that the shaft is pivotable relative to the first base about a first axis extending from a first side to a second side of the first base. The shaft is connected to the second base such that the shaft is pivotable about a second axis extending from a first side to a second side of the second base, the shaft being slidable relative to the second base along a third axis normal to the first axis and the second axis, and rotatable relative to the second base about the third axis while preventing relative rotational motion between the first base and the second base.