Three-Linkage Circular Motion for Upright Object Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for moving objects in a circle while maintaining their vertical position are either unstable when relying on gravity or complex and expensive when using additional motors.
Innovation Solution
A three-linkage, motorized system with a base, electric motor, and self-aligning bearing wheel that maintains a 2-dimensional planar circular motion with a fixed vertical and horizontal orientation, allowing objects to be securely attached without extra mechanical gear or motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gravity is used to maintain upright position, then simplicity is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system between the rotating object and the base. This linkage acts as a mediator that automatically maintains the upright position through its geometric constraints, eliminating the need for active control while ensuring stability. The linkage translates the rotational motion into a constrained path that preserves vertical orientation.
2Reliability
If motors are used to compensate for tilt, then stability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system is designed to automatically maintain the upright position through its own geometric properties without requiring external control inputs. The system serves itself by using the rotational motion and linkage geometry to inherently preserve vertical orientation, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, and additional motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical control system (motors, sensors, controllers) with a purely mechanical linkage system. The mechanical constraints of the linkage automatically enforce the upright position through its physical geometry, substituting active electrical control with passive mechanical constraint.
3Reliability
If additional mechanical gear or motors are added, then stability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits the rotational motion, maintains the upright position, and constrains the movement path. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to enable an object to move in a circular motion while keeping an upright position of the object intact includes a base, and a motor disposed on the base. The system further includes an enclosure configured to be attached to the motor, and a bearing wheel attached to the enclosure. The system additionally includes an up arm attached to the bearing wheel, and a holding arm attached to the up arm. The holding arm includes an attachment point to which the object is configured to be attached. The motor is configured to move the object in the circular motion by causing the up arm and the holding arm to move in the circular motion when the motor is switched ON.