Spherical Air Bearing Stage for Precise Planar Component Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated or semi-automated equipment struggles with precise planar alignment and placement of irregularly shaped components, as conventional methods like dual ball-and-socket assemblies are inadequate for such applications.
Innovation Solution
A moveable air bearing stage system comprising a frame and stator assembly with a semi-spherical receiving interface, a floating yoke with linear motion stops, and gripper jaws with ramps for precise alignment and positioning, utilizing air and vacuum for enhanced movement and grasping capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual ball-and-socket assemblies are used for alignment, then range of movement is enhanced, but planar alignment precision for irregularly shaped devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical air bearing stage that rotates on a spherical interface, allowing multi-axis movement while maintaining planar alignment precision. The spherical geometry enables the stage to accommodate irregularly shaped devices while preserving alignment accuracy through controlled rotational degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an air bearing system where compressed air creates a frictionless floating interface between the movable stage and the stationary base. This pneumatic mechanism enables precise planar alignment and movement without mechanical contact, solving the contradiction between range of movement and alignment precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional mechanical stages are used for component placement, then structural stability is maintained, but alignment precision and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air bearing system replaces conventional mechanical contact with a pneumatic floating interface. Compressed air supplied through holes in the stationary base creates a stable air cushion that supports the movable stage, providing both structural stability and high-precision alignment capabilities without mechanical friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support mechanism from solid mechanical contact to gaseous air bearing. This parameter change from solid-to-gas interface enables the stage to float with minimal friction, achieving superior alignment precision while maintaining structural stability through controlled air pressure.
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
Enables highly refined and accurate planar alignment and placement of components, particularly in robotics-based manufacturing processes, offering multiple ranges of movement and increased alignment precision compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a moveable air bearing stage system comprising a frame and stator assembly with a semi-spherical receiving interface, a floating yoke with linear motion stops, and gripper jaws with ramps for precise alignment and positioning, utilizing air and vacuum for enhanced movement and grasping capabilities
Implementation Method 2
utilizing air and vacuum for enhanced movement and grasping capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method for a moveable bearing stage that allows for highly refined alignment and placement, and particularly planar alignment and placement, of component or devices through the use of robotics. The apparatus, system and method of providing at least a planar alignment of at least one component or device in relation to a secondary reference plane may include at least: a frame and stator assembly, having, at an upper portion thereof, at least a semi-spherical receiving interface; a movable assembly that moves within the frame and stator assembly, and that is connectively associated therewith by at least a plurality of springs; a semi-spherical stage, suitable for reception by the semi-spherical receiving interface and capable of at least rotational movement therewithin; a chuck within the semi-spherical stage and capable of at least co-planar, post-planar, and ante-planar positioning in relation to a plane provided by a topmost portion of the semispherical stage, wherein the chuck is capable of receiving the component or device; and at least two gripper jaws suitable for receiving and holding, at an upper portion thereof, the component or device, wherein the two gripper jaws comprise, at a lower portion thereof, at least ramps capable of physically interacting with ones of the motion stops.