Self-Leveling Platform Structure for High Stiffness Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leveling devices are not strong, stiff, and automated, often deforming under greater loads, and lack sufficient control in robotic applications.
Innovation Solution
A powered leveling base with radially spaced connecting structures and electrically powered linear actuators that form swivel and rotational joints, allowing independent actuation for precise positioning and load distribution, preventing back driving for stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manually operated leveling devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but extent of automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect platform tilt and actuators to automatically adjust the platform level, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining leveling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling system automatically detects its own tilt state through sensors and self-corrects by actuating the actuators without external intervention, enabling the system to service itself and achieve automated operation
2Extent of automation
If automated leveling systems are used for robotic applications, then extent of automation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to back driving and deformation under greater loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical joints at the actuator connection points, which provide multi-degree-of-freedom rotational capability and accommodate misalignment while maintaining rigid load transmission paths, preventing deformation under load and eliminating back driving
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly integrates multiple functional components (actuator mechanism, spherical joint, mounting structures) into a composite rigid assembly that distributes and bears loads effectively, maintaining structural integrity and reliability under greater loads
3Device complexity
If conventional leveling devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lack of stiff control under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the leveling system into modular components (platform, actuators, spherical joints, control system) that can be manufactured and assembled independently, maintaining precision through modular construction while managing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise geometric parameters for the spherical joints and actuator mounting locations to optimize stiffness and load distribution, achieving high manufacturing precision through carefully controlled dimensional parameters
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 a strong, stiff, and automated leveling base capable of precise control and load distribution, minimizing bending moments, and enabling self-leveling operations.
Implementation Method 1
electrically powered linear actuators
Implementation Method 2
swivel joint permitting rotation relative to the rod about exactly two axes
Implementation Method 3
rotational joint permitting rotation relative to the housing about exactly one axis
Implementation Method 4
Each rod may include at least one helical external gear, with each drive member having a driving shaft with at least one internal gear that operably engages the at least one helical external gear of each associated rod
Data Source
AI summary
A powered base assembly includes first and second structures that are operably interconnected by at least three legs that can include electrically-powered linear actuators. Each electrically powered actuator includes a housing and a rod associated with the housing. Each rod is connected to one of the first and second structures by a swivel joint having two degrees of freedom, and each housing is connected to the other of the first and second structure by a swivel joint having one degree of freedom. The linear actuators can be actuated to thereby change at least one of an angular position of the first structure relative to the second structure and a distance of the first structure, relative to the second structure. In this way, the base assembly may be used for leveling or moving a payload placed on the first structure; the payload weight is transferred linearly through the legs to the second structure. The configuration of the legs and the second structure enable to the second structure to be placed on a surface to support the base assembly while minimizing the bending moment on the second structure.