Tubular Boom Drive Using Threaded Element and Abutment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring longitudinal force to tubular extensible members made of curled strips face limitations in generating high forces without causing stress on the fragile transition phase, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in energy consumption, particularly in applications requiring high stiffness and compactness like drilling devices and space exploration.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism featuring a threaded element with spherical protrusions on the tubular member, which converts rotational movement into axial force through a gothic thread and abutment element, combined with a rotation blocking mechanism and low-friction materials, allows for efficient and high-force transmission without straining the tubular member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional force transfer mechanisms are used to extend the tubular member, then the member can be extended, but high stress is applied to the fragile transition phase causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of a threaded element with spherical protrusions that engage with corresponding features on the tubular member. This intermediary transfers longitudinal force through a distributed threaded engagement rather than direct concentrated loading, reducing stress on the fragile transition phase while maintaining effective force transmission for extension and retraction
Solution Approach 2:
The force transfer is segmented through multiple spherical protrusions distributed along the threaded element. Instead of a single point of force application, the load is distributed across multiple engagement points along the thread, reducing peak stress concentrations on the tubular member's transition phase while maintaining overall force transmission capability
2Volume of moving object
If conventional winding mechanisms are used, then the tubular member can be stored compactly, but energy consumption increases due to inefficiencies in the winding and unwinding process
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded element with spherical protrusions enables a self-service force transfer mechanism where the tubular member's own structural features engage with the threaded element during extension and retraction. This self-engaging mechanism reduces energy losses by eliminating the need for complex external forcing mechanisms, allowing the system to utilize the tubular member's inherent elastic properties for efficient winding and unwinding
3Weight of moving object
If the tubular member is made thinner to reduce mass, then the mass decreases, but the longitudinal stiffness and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structural approach where the tubular member is formed from elastic material with specific structural features (spherical protrusions, threaded engagement surfaces) that work together with the threaded element. This composite design allows thinner walls by distributing stresses through the threaded engagement mechanism, maintaining longitudinal stiffness and durability while reducing mass through optimized wall thickness
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 the generation of higher longitudinal forces while minimizing stress on the tubular member, enhancing the mechanical durability and energy efficiency, particularly suitable for applications requiring high stiffness and compactness like drilling devices and space exploration.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded element (3) rotatable around the second axis and an abutment element (4, 5) forming between them a space adapted to accommodate a wall of the tubular member in such a manner that a first side of the wall is in contact with the threaded element (3) and a second side of the wall is in contact with the abutment element (4, 5)
Implementation Method 2
A tubular member made of an elastic material, i.e. a material having a high yield strength, e.g. spring steel, after straightening and winding on a drum has small size and mass. Upon unwinding from drum the tape resumes its nominal form in which it has been hardened.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2f
Figure 3a~4d
AI summary
A tubular member (1) made of an elongated curling strip (1a) partly wound on a drum rotatable on the first axis, and partly curling around the second axis (H) into the tubular member (1). The first axis is perpendicular to the second axis (H). The tubular member (1) is extendable and retractable with rotation of the drum. The strip (1a) is provided with a number of protrusions (9) distributed on its surface along its length. The drive comprises a threaded element (3,7) rotatable around the second axis (H) and an abutment element (4,5) forming between each other a space adapted to accommodate a wall of the tubular member (1) in such a manner that the first side of the wall is in contact with the threaded element (3,7) and the second side of the wall is in contact with the abutment element (4,5).