Multi-Axis Track Inversion Structure for Controlled Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing invertible structures face challenges in efficiently transitioning between upright and inverted orientations, particularly in applications like artificial trees, where easy storage and reorientation are required, often resulting in cumbersome mechanisms or loss of control during inversion.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a stand, a support portion, a track with multiple translational axes, and a spring device that allows the longitudinal portion to move along the track, enabling smooth reorientation from upright to inverted and vice versa, with a connector element that engages the track to facilitate these movements, ensuring controlled inversion and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional inversion mechanism is used, then the structure can transition between orientations, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and loses control during inversion
Solution Approach 1:
The inversion mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: a track system with multiple translational axes, a connector element with corresponding connectors, and a spring device. Each component performs a specific function (guiding motion, connecting structures, providing force), allowing the overall system to achieve controlled inversion without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The track serves as an intermediary element between the support portion and the longitudinal portion. It mediates the inversion process by providing defined translational paths through which connectors move, transforming the inversion action into controlled translational motion along predetermined axes rather than direct rotational movement.
2Ease of operation
If manual inversion is used, then the structure can be reoriented, but it becomes difficult under weight-bearing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device acts as a counterweight mechanism by providing an elastic force that opposes the gravitational force acting on the longitudinal portion. When the structure needs to be inverted, the spring device stores elastic potential energy and releases it to assist in lifting the weight-bearing portion, reducing the manual force required for inversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device is pre-loaded or pre-positioned to provide assistance at the critical moment of inversion. Before the inversion begins, the spring device is configured to exert force in the direction that facilitates upward movement, preparing the system in advance to overcome the weight-bearing challenge during the inversion process.
3Ease of operation
If a simple track is used, then the structure moves easily, but controlled inversion and secure locking are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The track is segmented into multiple translational axes (first translational axis, second translational axis, etc.), each providing a specific path of motion. This segmentation allows the connector to follow a predetermined, controlled trajectory during inversion rather than moving freely, ensuring reliability while maintaining smooth movement along each defined axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the connector along predetermined paths (control), allows smooth translational movement (ease of operation), and works in conjunction with the spring device to provide force assistance. The multi-functionality of the track resolves the contradiction between simplicity and control.
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 a stable and controlled inversion process, allowing for efficient reorientation and storage of invertible structures, even under weight-bearing conditions, by utilizing a combination of manual and spring-assisted translational forces, ensuring secure locking and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device connected to the body. The slot may have a plurality of translational axes... A first end coil portion of the spring device is fixed to body and a second end coil portion of the spring device is operable to exert a force, either directly or indirectly, on the longitudinal structure
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invertible structures rely on combinations of translational movements to effect inversion. An exemplary invertible structure includes a track operable to be slidably coupled to a connector element of a longitudinal structure. In an embodiment, the connector element may include at least two connectors at least partially disposed in a slot defined in the track, which may have a plurality of translational axes for translational movements of the connectors of the longitudinal structure that would effect the inversion of the longitudinal structure.