Parallel-Kinematic Sensor Platform for Wide-Angle Aircraft Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor platforms in aircraft and drones face challenges in achieving large spatial coverage with high image resolution while minimizing shadowing and maximizing available installation space, particularly when pivoting sensors about two axes.
Innovation Solution
A targeting platform with a first platform and a second carrier platform connected by three fixed-length connecting links, each linked to two-axis and three-axis joints, allowing for parallel kinematics and independent rotational movements to achieve tilting and rolling, thereby optimizing spatial coverage and avoiding kinematic singularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional sensor mounting platforms are used with variable-length actuators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and stability of the platform deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional variable-length linear actuator mechanism with a parallel kinematic system using fixed-length connecting links and multi-axis joints. This substitution eliminates the need for complex actuator assemblies while maintaining precise positioning through geometric constraints and rotational degrees of freedom, thereby improving manufacturing precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic parallel kinematic system where the second platform can rotate and tilt through controlled movement of connecting links. The system uses three two-axis joints and three three-axis joints to provide six rotational degrees of freedom, enabling precise dynamic positioning while maintaining fixed link lengths. This dynamic structure achieves high positioning accuracy without requiring variable-length actuators
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor platform is designed to achieve large spatial coverage, then the field of view is improved, but the platform size and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves large spatial coverage by adding rotational dimensions to the platform structure. The second platform can rotate about a roll axis and tilt relative to the first platform, creating multi-dimensional coverage capability. This allows the sensor to scan large angular ranges without requiring a physically larger platform, thus achieving extensive spatial coverage within compact installation space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic parallel kinematic system that enables the second platform to achieve multiple rotational degrees of freedom. Through controlled rotation and tilting movements, the platform can dynamically adjust its orientation to cover large spatial angles. This dynamic capability allows compact platform design while maintaining large effective coverage area through motion
3Manufacturing precision
If the platform uses multiple connecting links with fixed length, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three two-axis joints and three three-axis joints that serve multiple functions simultaneously. These joints not only provide rotational degrees of freedom for platform movement but also serve as mounting points for connecting links and define the parallel kinematic structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining the precision benefits of fixed-length links
Data Source
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AI summary
A straightening platform, particularly for a sensor device, comprises a first platform with three two-axis joints, each having two degrees of rotational freedom and arranged in a first triangle, and a second platform with three three-axis joints, each having three degrees of rotational freedom and arranged in a second triangle, wherein the first platform serves as the base and the second platform as the support platform for holding the sensor device, or vice versa. The straightening platform further comprises three fixed-length connecting elements, each connecting an intermediate two-axis joint and an intermediate three-axis joint. A drive unit is coupled to each intermediate two-axis joint to rotate the connecting element mounted on the respective intermediate two-axis joint about a drive axis of rotation of the intermediate two-axis joint.