Movable Link Structure With Sliding Spherical Tips for Compact Head Motion

The patent divides the single elastic beam member into multiple segments (first elastic beam member and second elastic beam member) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve large turning angles through cumulative movement of segments rather than requiring a single long beam, thereby reducing the overall size while maintaining operational range.

The patent introduces a new dimension of movement by allowing the elastic beam members to not only twist but also to move in multiple directions including lateral displacement and angular rotation at multiple joints. This multi-dimensional movement capability enables large head turning angles without requiring proportionally long beam lengths.

By segmenting the elastic beam into multiple manageable sections with standardized joints, the patent achieves high flexibility through modular assembly. Each segment can be independently controlled and positioned, providing adaptability while keeping individual component complexity low and manageable.

The patent designs the elastic beam members and connecting joints to serve multiple functions simultaneously - providing structural support, enabling twisting motion, allowing lateral displacement, and facilitating angular rotation. This multi-functionality increases flexibility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

The patent enables movement in two axial directions by adding multiple degrees of freedom at the joints, including lateral displacement, angular rotation, and twisting motion. This multi-dimensional movement mechanism achieves bidirectional capability without requiring the beam members to be excessively long, as the movement is achieved through coordinated action at multiple joints rather than beam length alone.

The patent employs dynamic joints that can adaptively change their movement characteristics based on operational requirements. The connecting structures between beam segments can switch between different movement modes (twisting, lateral displacement, angular rotation), enabling efficient bidirectional movement with shorter beam lengths compared to static, single-mode structures.