Triangular Position Mechanism Reducing Link Weight and Wobble
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quadrilateral and parallelogram position changing mechanisms are cumbersome, requiring more space and weight, and often necessitate additional stabilizers to prevent side-to-side wobble, which complicates their application in various industrial uses.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic triangular movement mechanism is introduced, utilizing three interconnecting links and three pivots to provide a more efficient, stable, and space-saving alternative by eliminating one link and allowing a non-linear path, enabling quadrilateral-like movement without the need for a fourth link or pivot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quadrilateral or parallelogram movement system is used, then position changing functionality is achieved, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one link and one pivot from the conventional four-link quadrilateral mechanism, extracting unnecessary components while retaining the essential position-changing functionality. This reduction from four links to three links directly decreases mechanism weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is segmented into three distinct link members (first base link member, second fixed length support link member, and third follower link member) connected by three pivots, creating a simplified triangular configuration that maintains functionality with reduced mass.
2Ease of operation
If a quadrilateral movement system is used, then position changing is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional stabilizers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for additional stabilizer links and pivots by redesigning the mechanism as a triangular system. The three-link configuration inherently provides structural stability without requiring extra components, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding stabilizers to a four-link system to prevent wobble, the patent inverts the approach by using a three-link triangular configuration that achieves stability through its geometric structure, eliminating the need for additional stabilizing components.
3Ease of operation
If a quadrilateral movement system is used, then position changing functionality is provided, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing one link and one pivot from the conventional four-link quadrilateral mechanism, the patent reduces the spatial footprint of the mechanism. The triangular configuration occupies less space while maintaining the position-changing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of position changing and structural stability into a single three-link triangular mechanism, eliminating the need for separate stabilizer components and reducing the overall space required for the mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If a quadrilateral movement system is used, then position changing is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting unnecessary links and pivots from the four-link system, the patent reduces the number of moving parts that require actuation and control. The three-link mechanism requires less energy for operation while maintaining position-changing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic triangular mechanism where the three link members and three pivots work together to achieve position changing with reduced mass and inertia, requiring less energy for acceleration and deceleration compared to the heavier four-link system.
Data Source
AI summary
A position control system is disclosed that replaces a parallelogram or quadrilateral movement system with greater efficiency, economy, stability and utility by eliminating one of the four links and providing a non-linear path to be followed. This system includes a dynamic triangular mechanism for movement from a first position to at least a second position, with at least three (3) link members interconnected by pivots with a first base link member defining a non-linear path, said first base link member having a fixed base pivot and a follower pivot that moves along the non-linear path, a second fixed length support link member pivotally connected to the fixed base pivot, and a third follower link member pivotally connected to, and located between, the follower pivot and a connector pivot, wherein the follower link member is adapted for following the non-linear path, thereby creating a virtual triangle defined by the three link members while the follower pivot, fixed base pivot and the connector pivot interconnect the first base link member, the second fixed length support link member and the third follower link member.