Motor-Driven Support Mechanism for Variable Weight Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support mechanisms for throwing systems in air vehicles and carrying systems fail to efficiently hold weights of different dimensions and shapes at a desired position, lacking the ability to adjust lengthwise and rotate effectively to support weights from a single point.

Innovation Solution

A support mechanism comprising a motor-driven first rod that rotates and a transfer member allowing a second rod to move radially, with a bearing that contacts the weight for support, enabling the mechanism to adjust its length and position to hold weights effectively by rotating around its axis and moving linearly, forming a scissor-like structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a support mechanism uses fixed-length support members, then the structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently hold weights of different dimensions and shapes at a desired position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to hold weights of different dimensions and shapesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed with dynamic extendability, allowing it to change its length from a retracted state to an extended state. This dynamic characteristic enables the support mechanism to adapt to weights of different dimensions and shapes while maintaining structural simplicity through a controlled transformation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support member employs a nested structure where components are arranged concentrically, allowing the support member to extend and retract along its longitudinal axis. This nesting arrangement enables variable length adjustment without significantly increasing the overall structural footprint or complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a support mechanism uses extended and retracted support members to reach different distances, then it can support weights at desired positions, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to support weight at desired positionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables positional adjustment through extension and retraction, and facilitates rotational movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving ease of operation for supporting weights at desired positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member transitions between static and dynamic states, extending and retracting as needed to reach desired positions. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring entirely different structures for each position, simplifying overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the support member rotates around its axis, then it can contact and support the weight effectively, but the control mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of weight supportVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed to rotate around its own longitudinal axis using its own structural properties and the forces applied during extension and retraction. This self-rotating capability eliminates the need for separate rotational actuators or complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational function is merged with the extension and retraction movements of the support member. The same mechanical actions that enable length adjustment also facilitate rotation around the longitudinal axis, reducing the number of independent control systems needed and simplifying the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 mechanism allows for reliable, efficient, and practical support of weights at a desired position, accommodating various dimensions and shapes, and automatically adjusts to maintain contact with the weight without requiring additional control systems, suitable for air vehicle throwing units and testing systems.

Implementation Method 1

A support mechanism comprises a motor, a first rod which is triggered by the motor so as to be able to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one bearing which is located on the second rod, extends outwards from the second rod, approaches the weight (W) together with the second rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3841014B1A support mechanism
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 TUSAS TURK HAVACILIK VE UZAY SANAYII ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3841014B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3841014B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3841014B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a support mechanism (1) which comprises a body (2), a motor (3) located on the body (2), a first rod (4) which is triggered by the motor (3) so as to be able to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise around its own axis, a transfer member (5) which is connected at one end to the first rod (4), a second rod (6) which is connected to the transfer member (5) and is able to make a radial rotational movement around its own axis together with the first rod (4) by means of the transfer member (5), a holder (7) which is located on the body (2), surrounds the second rod (6) and allows second rod (6) to be able to rotate around its own axis and also to move linearly along a direction that the second rod (6) extends, and at least one bearing (8) which is located on the second rod (6), moves towards or away from the weight (W) upon triggering of the first rod (4) by the motor (3), and contacts the weight (W) for supporting the weight (W) from at least one point.