Multi-DOF Support Mechanism Using Spherical Surface and Planes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanisms for optical devices are complex and lack a simple configuration that enables movement in five degrees of freedom, limiting the flexibility and miniaturization of lens barrels and optical systems.

Innovation Solution

A multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanism featuring a first member with a spherical surface and a second member with opposing parallel planes, allowing sliding movement that enables translational movement in two degrees of freedom and rotational movement in three degrees of freedom, thereby facilitating movement in five degrees of freedom with a simplified configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spherical rotary member is used to enable five degrees of freedom movement, then the optical device can move in five degrees of freedom, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefive degrees of freedom movement capabilityVSAvoidmechanism structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate support mechanisms into a single integrated structure consisting of a spherical surface and two parallel planes. This combination allows the system to achieve five degrees of freedom movement (three rotational + two translational) without requiring multiple independent mechanical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical surface in contact with the two parallel planes serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables rotational movement in three degrees of freedom while also enabling translational movement in two degrees of freedom. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each degree of freedom, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanism is used, then five degrees of freedom movement is enabled, but the lens barrel size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefive degrees of freedom movement capabilityVSAvoidlens barrel volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the spherical surface and two parallel planes into a compact integrated support structure, the patent achieves five degrees of freedom movement within a minimal volume. This merged design eliminates the need for multiple separate actuators and support components that would otherwise increase lens barrel size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of a spherical surface provides inherent multi-axis rotational capability without requiring complex mechanical linkages. The spherical geometry naturally accommodates three degrees of freedom rotation while maintaining a compact form factor, and when combined with two parallel planes for translational movement, enables five degrees of freedom within a small volume suitable for miniaturized lens barrels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This solution enables the optical device to move in five degrees of freedom with a simple configuration, allowing for the downsizing of lens barrels and enhancing the flexibility of optical systems while maintaining precise control over lens positions.

Implementation Method 1

One of the first member and the second member is able to make relative movement with respect to the other with sliding movement of the spherical surface on the pair of planes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSliding movement: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10379314B2Multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanism, lens barrel, and optical device

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanism includes a first member having a protruding part with a spherical surface, and a second member having a pair of planes opposite to each other across the protruding part. One of the first member and the second member is able to make relative movement with respect to the other with sliding movement of the spherical surface on the pair of planes. The pair of planes is in contact with the spherical surface. The relative movement includes translational movement in two degrees of freedom in planar direction and rotational movement about an axis in three degrees of freedom in the pair of planes.