Virtual Swivel Mechanism with Link-Chain Angle Limitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kinematic devices with virtual pivot points face challenges in limiting the extent of rotation around a virtual axis or point due to compact design and accessibility issues, making it difficult to implement effective and space-saving solutions for movement limitation.
Innovation Solution
A kinematic limiting device is attached to both the base and the object, allowing parallel axes with adjustable distance, enabling movement about a virtual axis while allowing pivoting and spanning a plane, using a link chain mechanism with pivotable parts and a stop to restrict rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stops are installed in the kinematic components to limit rotation, then the pivoting movement can be restricted, but the device becomes more complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting device is divided into separate components: a first component attached to the base, a second component attached to the object, and a link chain connecting them. This segmentation allows the limitation function to be added without redesigning the entire kinematic structure, thus limiting rotation reliably while avoiding excessive complexity in any single component.
2Reliability
If guides are used to influence the rotation mechanically, then the pivoting can be limited, but the device requires more space and becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of limiting rotation in the same plane as the pivoting motion, the invention uses a link chain that extends in a different dimension (perpendicular to the pivoting plane). The link chain connects components via parallel axes, creating a three-dimensional structure that limits rotation without requiring additional space in the horizontal plane, thus maintaining compactness while achieving reliable limitation.
3Volume of moving object
If the kinematic device is designed compactly, then space is saved, but it becomes difficult to access the pivot point for installing limitation devices
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the limiting mechanism directly to the pivot point (which would require disassembly and complex installation), the invention inverts the approach by attaching limiting components to the base and object at accessible locations, then connecting them via a link chain. This allows installation from the outside without disturbing the compact kinematic structure, maintaining both compactness and ease of installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If parallel axes with adjustable distance are used, then movement about a virtual axis is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The link chain with parallel axes serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the base to the object, enables virtual axis movement through adjustable distance between axes, and provides the limitation mechanism through its geometric constraints. This multi-functionality achieves adaptable virtual axis movement without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural elements perform multiple roles.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual device for the limited pivoting of an object about a base virtual pivot point by means of a pivoting device, where a limiting device is provided for the pivoting angle. The virtual device is a mechanically stable and yet space-saving limiting device that is rotatable about an outer axis on the base and about an outer axis (23′) rotatable on the object, or on the slide, where the limiting device limits the distance and/or the angular position of the two axes relative to one another, with the proviso that the axes always occupy the same plane.