Rotary Positioner Cable Layout for Large-Angle Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-axis positioners face challenges in maintaining a stable electrical connection and fluid supply during large rotational angles of the rotating table, leading to increased torsional forces on power supply cables and potential mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
The positioner design includes a hollow section in the first member and reducer, allowing for a U-shaped power supply cable that absorbs torsional forces and a detachable current collector brush system for infinite rotation, reducing mechanical stress and enabling flexible configuration for varying rotation ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a straight power supply cable is used to connect the rotating table, then the electrical connection is simple, but the cable experiences high torsional forces during large rotational angles
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply cable is configured in a U-shape (curved geometry) instead of a straight line, allowing it to absorb torsional forces generated during rotation of the rotating table. The curved shape provides flexibility and stress distribution, reducing mechanical failure risk while maintaining electrical connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotating table rotates through large angles, then the workpiece can be positioned at various orientations, but the electrical connection becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped cable configuration enables the rotating table to achieve large rotation angles (high adaptability) while the curved geometry naturally absorbs torsional stress, maintaining stable electrical connection (high reliability) throughout the rotation range.
3Reliability
If a current collector brush is permanently fixed, then the electrical connection is stable, but the system cannot be easily maintained or modified
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector brush is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the power supply cable. This segmentation allows the brush to be easily removed, replaced, or maintained without affecting the cable or other system components, improving ease of repair while maintaining connection stability during operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the cable is routed directly without U-shape bending, then the installation is simpler, but the cable cannot absorb torsional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped cable routing provides torsional force absorption capability while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures. The curved configuration is easily formed during cable installation and requires no complex additional components or assembly steps.
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 configuration effectively absorbs torsional forces, reduces mechanical stress on cables, and allows for easy switching between configurations with and without a current collector brush, enhancing reliability and maintainability while maintaining electrical and fluid connections across large rotation angles.
Implementation Method 1
a current collector brush is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft at the other end thereof
Implementation Method 2
after being bent into a U-shape, the power supply cable passes through the hollow section along the axis
Data Source
AI summary
This positioner comprises: a first member; a rotating table supported to rotate about an axis relative to the first member; a motor that is parallel to and offset from the axis and drives the rotating table; a reducer disposed between the first member and the rotating table, reducing the rotation of the motor and transmitting the reduced rotation to the rotating table; and a power cable for supplying power to the rotating table. The first member and the reducer are provided with a hollow section passing therethrough. A current collector brush is attachable to and detachable from one end of the power cable. The power cable extends, from the first member in a direction away from the rotating table. After being bent into a U-shape, the power cable passes through the hollow section along the axis, and one end of the power cable is detachably secured to the rotating table.