Spherical Positioning Structure for Omnidirectional Manipulator Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated manipulators are limited to operating in regular planes or spaces, resulting in insufficient space utilization and an inability to meet the needs of workpiece operations in any direction in space.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical positioning structure with a spherical design, featuring guide rails in latitudinal and longitudinal directions on a hollow hemispherical structure, allowing the platform to move in three-dimensional space, enabling operation in any direction and improving space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automated manipulators operate in regular planes or spaces, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but space utilization is insufficient and operating directions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical positioning structure where the platform can rotate around a central axis and move along latitudinal and longitudinal guide rails. This spherical geometry enables the manipulator to operate in any direction in three-dimensional space, transforming the limited planar operation into omnidirectional capability while maintaining a relatively compact and manufacturable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar operation to three-dimensional spherical operation by adding rotational degrees of freedom and curved guide rails. The platform can now move not only along straight lines but also along circular arcs in multiple planes, effectively utilizing the third dimension and enabling operations in any spatial direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated manipulators operate in regular planes, then the device complexity is low, but space utilization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical positioning structure with latitudinal and longitudinal guide rails allows the platform to reach any position on the spherical surface, maximizing space utilization within the given volume. The curved geometry enables omnidirectional access to workpieces positioned in three-dimensional space, eliminating the waste associated with planar manipulation limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical positioning structure includes a first positioning mechanism, a fixing post arranged through a central axis of the first positioning mechanism, a first driving mechanism, a second positioning mechanism rotationally arranged on the fixing post and coupled to the first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, and a platform. One end of the first driving mechanism is fixed on the fixing post. Another end of the first driving mechanism is slidably arranged on the first positioning mechanism. The second driving mechanism is arranged on the second positioning mechanism. The platform is arranged on the second driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism drives the second positioning mechanism to move on a surface of the first positioning mechanism and rotate the second positioning mechanism around the fixing post. The second driving mechanism drives the platform to move on the second positioning mechanism.