Trapezoidal Link Support Mechanism With Variable Gear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support apparatus with link mechanisms that transmit motive power from a drive motor face challenges in miniaturization due to varying demands for rotation rate and torque, which can limit the attitude of the apparatus and require bulky drive motors to meet these demands.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus incorporating a pair of rotating bodies with a variable reduction ratio, specifically non-circular gears, and a trapezoidal link mechanism that adjusts the reduction ratio based on the attitude of the link mechanism to optimize miniaturization and attitude flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a variable speed mechanism with a pair of rotating bodies is used to miniaturize the support apparatus, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the rotatable angle of each rotating body becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable reduction ratio mechanism where the reduction ratio changes dynamically according to the attitude of the link mechanism. This allows the rotating bodies to operate within a limited angular range while still providing the necessary torque and speed variation across different attitudes, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and attitude range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reduction ratio parameter based on the link mechanism's attitude. By adjusting the reduction ratio dynamically, the system can maintain effective torque transmission and speed control without requiring the rotating bodies to cover large angular ranges, enabling both compact size and adequate attitude adaptability.
2Power
If the output of the drive motor is increased to meet varying demands for rotation rate and torque, then the demanded values are satisfied, but the bulk of the drive motor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a variable reduction ratio mechanism that dynamically adjusts the torque and speed output based on the link mechanism's attitude. This allows a smaller drive motor to provide adequate power across different operating conditions by leveraging the variable mechanical advantage, rather than requiring a large motor capable of meeting peak demands in all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable reduction ratio mechanism acts as an intermediary between the drive motor and the link mechanism. It transforms the motor's output to match the varying demands of the link mechanism, allowing the motor to be smaller while still providing sufficient effective power through intelligent power transmission rather than brute force.
3Power
If multiple gear pairs with fixed reduction ratios are provided to meet varying torque and speed demands, then the power transmission requirements are satisfied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple fixed reduction ratio gear pairs with a single variable reduction ratio mechanism. This dynamic mechanism can continuously adjust its reduction ratio to meet varying torque and speed demands, achieving the same functional result with significantly fewer components and reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable reduction ratio mechanism serves multiple functions that would otherwise require separate gear pairs. It can provide different reduction ratios for different operating conditions within a single integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized gear sets and reducing overall device complexity.
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 configuration allows for more effective miniaturization of the support apparatus while minimizing attitude limitations by dynamically adjusting the reduction ratio to match the demands for rotation rate and torque, using fewer components and maintaining efficient power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of rotating bodies that act as a variable speed mechanism that outputs the motive power to the link mechanism by a reduction ratio according to an attitude of the link mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a support apparatus including a drive motor, a link mechanism that, by transmitting motive power output from the drive motor, is extendable and contractable in response to the motive power, and a pair of rotating bodies that act as a variable speed mechanism that outputs the motive power to the link mechanism by a reduction ratio according to an attitude of the link mechanism. At least part of the link mechanism forms a trapezoidal link mechanism.