Truss Table Retrofit Assembly With Indirect Servo Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
New servo motors and control systems developed for truss assembly tables do not physically fit in the existing drive rod actuation assemblies of older truss assembly tables, preventing retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A drive rod actuation assembly with an indirect coupling mechanism between the servo motor and the drive rod, allowing the new servo motor to fit within the limited space of existing truss assembly tables, and requiring a change in the control system's rotation direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new servo motors are directly connected to drive rods, then advanced functions and features are achieved, but the motors do not physically fit in existing assembly tables
Solution Approach 1:
A motor adapter assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the servo motor and drive rod. The adapter includes a motor mounting plate with spacing features that position the motor offset from the drive rod, allowing the motor to fit within the limited space of existing assembly tables while still enabling functional connection through coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor mounting plate incorporates spacing features that extend in directions perpendicular to the drive rod axis, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This dimensional approach allows the motor to be positioned in available space rather than requiring direct linear alignment, enabling retrofitting to existing tables with constrained motor mounting volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new servo motors with different control systems are installed, then additional functions and features are enabled, but the control system requires rotation direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the motor adapter and drive rod is designed to provide automatic rotation direction reversal. When the servo motor rotates in one direction, the coupling geometry causes the drive rod to rotate in the opposite direction, and vice versa. This inversion principle automatically compensates for control system differences without requiring complex software configuration or additional control logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing truss assembly tables are retrofitted with new components, then advanced features are achieved, but physical modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit solution is segmented into separate modular components: a motor adapter assembly that mounts to the existing table structure, a servo motor that couples to the adapter, and a coupling mechanism that connects to the drive rod. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and installed, minimizing modifications to the existing table while enabling easy assembly and disassembly for retrofits.
Data Source
AI summary
A truss assembly table retrofit assembly that includes and a new drive rod actuation assembly that is configured to be attached to a drive rod of a puck assembly such that each puck assembly includes a puck, a drive rod, a drive rod support, and the drive rod actuation assembly. Such puck assemblies can be installed on new truss assembly tables. Such puck assemblies can also be retrofitted on existing truss assembly tables. For retrofitting various existing truss assembly tables, the drive rod actuation assembly includes an indirect coupling between the new servo motor and the drive rod. This indirect coupling enables the new servo motor (and the new control system) to physically fit in such an existing truss assembly table. The drive rod actuation assembly also enables the new control system to be used with the retrofit existing truss assembly table.