6-Axis Positioning Platform With Passive Locking for Higher Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 6-axis positioning systems face challenges in achieving simplified locking with high precision, especially under increased loads, due to the need for large, heavy-duty actuators that increase installation space and costs while compromising on precision and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A 6-axis positioning system design that includes an additional passive, length-variable component with a releasable parking brake, allowing for detachable locking in certain positions, which enhances stiffness and natural frequency without active participation in positioning, thereby improving precision and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If very large actuators are used to achieve the necessary rigidity for heavy-duty 6-axis positioning systems, then rigidity and load capacity are improved, but installation space and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the actuator group into two functional segments: six active actuators for positioning and one passive additional component for rigidity enhancement. This segmentation allows the passive component to be optimized purely for structural stiffness without the complexity of active positioning mechanisms, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining heavy-duty load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive additional component features dynamic length-adjustability through a telescopic design with variable stiffness. The component can adapt its length and rigidity characteristics based on operational requirements, allowing the system to achieve necessary structural strength without permanently occupying maximum space, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and installation space.
2Force
If very large actuators are used to achieve the necessary rigidity for heavy-duty 6-axis positioning systems, then load capacity is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the load-bearing function from the positioning function. The passive additional component is专门 designed for structural reinforcement and load support, while the six active actuators handle positioning. This division allows the passive component to be manufactured more simply without complex motors and control systems, reducing overall costs while maintaining heavy-duty load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive additional component uses a simpler, more cost-effective design compared to full active actuators. By using a telescopic structure with basic locking mechanisms rather than complex motor-driven systems, the component achieves necessary rigidity and load support at lower manufacturing costs, making heavy-duty positioning more economically viable.
3Measurement precision
If the additional component is designed to increase rigidity in the target position, then positioning precision is improved, but the component must be actively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The passive additional component automatically adjusts its length and stiffness characteristics in response to the positioning state of the active actuators. When the active actuators reach their target position, the passive component self-adjusts to its most rigid configuration through mechanical coupling and force distribution, eliminating the need for separate active control systems while maximizing positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive additional component acts as a mechanical intermediary that translates the positioning actions of the active actuators into enhanced structural rigidity. Through clever mechanical design including telescopic sections and force transmission paths, it passively reinforces the structure at the target position without requiring sensors, motors, or complex control electronics, thus improving precision while minimizing control complexity.
4Device complexity
If the additional component is made passive and length-adjustable, then device complexity is reduced, but the component cannot actively participate in positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The passive additional component incorporates dynamic length-adjustability through telescopic mechanisms that allow it to adapt its physical dimensions to match the positioning requirements. Although passive, it dynamically responds to load conditions and positioning state by adjusting its effective length and stiffness, thereby maintaining system adaptability without requiring active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive additional component changes its physical parameters (length, stiffness, configuration) in response to the positioning state created by the active actuators. Through mechanical coupling and force distribution, it adapts its characteristics to enhance rigidity at different positions within the working envelope, maintaining system versatility while keeping the component itself passive and simple.
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 system achieves high precision and cost-effectiveness by allowing the use of more compact and flatter designs with enhanced rigidity and natural frequency, supporting heavy loads with improved positioning accuracy and reduced thermal influence on the drives.
Implementation Method 1
The additional component has a releasable parking brake
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a 6-axis positioning system (1), comprising a base (2), a movable unit (3) and six variable-length actuators (5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 7.1, 7.2, 7.3), one end (8) of each actuator being connected to the base (2) and the other end (9, 14) of each actuator being connected to the movable unit (3). At least one additional variable-length component (16) is provided, one end (8, 12) of which is connected to the base (2) and the other end (9, 14) of which is connected to the movable unit (3). The additional component (16) is designed such that the 6-axis positioning system (1) can be releasably locked at least in certain positions of the movable unit by means of the additional component. A system of this type should enable precise positioning that is more advantageous. For this purpose, the additional component (16) has a releasable locking brake (19), and the variable-length component (16) is designed such that its length can be varied passively by means of the movement of the six driven actuators (5.1, 5.2, 5.3; 7.1, 7.2, 7.3). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for operating a 6-axis positioning system (1).