Wave Type Linear Motion Mechanism for Compact Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wave type linear motion mechanisms require two units to create a holding mechanism for opening and closing holding members, leading to increased size and complexity, particularly in transmitting power from a motor or rotary drive source.
Innovation Solution
A wave type linear motion mechanism with a flexible screw having two male screws on its external surface, each engaging with a circular nut having a different female screw, and non-circular wave generators that deform the flexible screw into an elliptical shape for partial engagement, allowing the circular nuts to move axially when the input shaft rotates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two wave type linear motion mechanisms are used to move holding members, then the holding members can be opened and closed, but the size of the mechanism and the complexity of power transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two wave type linear motion mechanisms into a single integrated mechanism. The flexible screw contains both first and second male screws that engage with respective circular nuts, allowing one mechanism to perform the function of two separate mechanisms for opening and closing holding members, thereby reducing overall size and simplifying power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wave type linear motion mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. By incorporating both first and second male screws on the flexible screw that engage with different circular nuts, the mechanism can drive multiple holding members (such as upper and lower jaw members) to open and close, making one mechanism serve the role of two traditional units.
2Device complexity
If a single wave type linear motion mechanism is used, then the size is reduced, but the capability to move multiple holding members is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional capabilities into a single mechanism by incorporating both first and second male screws on the flexible screw. This allows the mechanism to engage with multiple circular nuts simultaneously, enabling one compact mechanism to move multiple holding members (such as upper and lower jaw members) rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the functionality along the axial dimension by positioning the first and second male screws at different axial locations on the flexible screw. This dimensional arrangement allows engagement with multiple circular nuts at different positions, enabling the single mechanism to control multiple holding members without increasing the radial or circumferential size.
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 results in a more compact holding mechanism capable of opening and closing holding members with reduced size and complexity, as the engagement positions of the screws move in a circumferential direction, enabling a single mechanism to perform the function of two traditional units.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible screw made of a flexible member that is capable of deforming in a radial direction
Implementation Method 2
a wave generator that causes the flexible screw to deform in the radial direction and partially engage with the circular nut
Implementation Method 3
The flexible screw and the circular nut have different leads. When the wave generator is caused to rotate, the engagement positions move in a circumferential direction, and relative linear movement in the axial direction is generated therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
In a wave linear motion mechanism (4) of a holding mechanism (1), those portions of a flexible screw (14) where first and second male screws (32, 33) are formed are elliptically deformed by first and second wave generators (12, 13) installed on an input shaft (11), and the first and second male screws (32, 33) are respectively partially engaged with first and second female screws (42, 44) of first and second circular nuts (15, 16). First and second holding members (5, 6) are mounted on the first and second circular nuts (15, 16), respectively. When the input shaft (11) is rotated by a motor (3), the first and second holding members (5, 6) are opened or closed depending on the rotation direction to release or hold an object (W).