Tool Support Combining Deformable Parallelogram and Pivoting Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool supports either fail to maintain tool orientation when avoiding obstacles, leading to reduced effectiveness, or provide insufficient transverse travel, which can result in inadequate obstacle avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A tool support system combining a deformable parallelogram joint and a pivoting joint, controlled by a single actuator, allowing for both transverse movement and pivoting to effectively navigate around obstacles while maintaining tool orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a deformable parallelogram is used to maintain tool orientation during obstacle avoidance, then tool orientation is maintained, but transverse travel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool support system is divided into two functional segments: a deformable parallelogram mechanism for maintaining tool orientation during transverse movement, and a pivoting joint mechanism for providing additional transverse travel when obstacles are far from the row. This segmentation allows each mechanism to optimize its specific function while working together to resolve the contradiction between maintaining orientation and achieving sufficient travel distance.
2Length of moving object
If a pivot joint is used to provide rapid tool movement over long stroke, then transverse travel is increased, but tool orientation is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate mechanisms (deformable parallelogram and pivoting joint) into a single integrated tool support system. The deformable parallelogram handles orientation maintenance during moderate obstacles, while the pivoting joint provides additional transverse travel capability for larger obstacles. This combination allows the system to achieve both long transverse stroke and tool orientation maintenance simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used to control both deformable parallelogram and pivoting joint, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both the deformable parallelogram mechanism and the pivoting joint mechanism. The actuator can deform the parallelogram for orientation maintenance and also pivot the tool support for transverse movement, eliminating the need for separate actuators while maintaining control precision through a unified control system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(A)~5(C)
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool support (10) comprising a first part (20) configured to be connected, directly or indirectly, to a motorized machine, a second part (22) supporting a tool (24), an intermediate part (26), a first articulation (28) connecting the first part (20) and the intermediate part (26), a second articulation (30) connecting the second part (22) and the intermediate part (26), one of the first and second articulations (28, 30) being a deformable parallelogram allowing the tool (24) to move in a plane of movement between engaged and disengaged positions and the other being a pivoting joint allowing the tool (24) to pivot around a pivoting axis between disengaged and pivoted positions.