Wave Washer Flexible Structure for Compact Multi-Joint Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible structures with multi-joint functions, composed of stacked and welded wave washers, face challenges in reducing the distance between flexing parts while maintaining a reduced diameter.
Innovation Solution
A flexible structure design incorporating a first and second flexing part connected by a connection part with higher rigidity, featuring a circulating shape and continuous inner and outer circumferences, allowing for the stacking and welding of wave washers in an axial direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of flexing parts are connected to provide a multi-joint function, then the flexibility and load bearing capability are improved, but the distance between the flexing parts increases and the diameter reduction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part is segmented into multiple wave washers (first through fourth wave washers) that are stacked and welded, allowing the multi-joint function to be achieved through modular segmentation while maintaining compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wave washers are nested stacked in the axial direction within the connection part, with each wave washer contained within the radial boundaries of the others, enabling the connection part to maintain a reduced diameter while accommodating multiple flexing joints
2Length of stationary object
If the distance between flexing parts is shortened to connect them integrally, then the diameter reduction is achieved, but the structural integrity and rigidity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part uses a composite structure of multiple wave washers with different rigidity characteristics (first and second wave washers with lower rigidity for flexibility, third and fourth wave washers with higher rigidity for strength), creating a composite assembly that achieves both compact dimensions and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connection part have different rigidity properties - the first and second wave washers provide flexibility in certain areas while the third and fourth wave washers provide enhanced rigidity in critical load-bearing regions, allowing the structure to be both compact and strong
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 design enables the shortening of the distance between flexing parts while achieving overall diameter reduction, enhancing the structural integrity and flexibility of the flexible structure.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of wave washers are stacked in the axial direction and are welded to each other
Implementation Method 2
The connection part is welded in an axial direction between the first flexing part and the second flexing part
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible structure with a multi-joint function is formed by connecting flexing parts in which wave washers are stacked and welded to each other. The flexible structure includes a first flexing part, a second flexing part, and a connection part. The first flexing part and the second flexing part are capable of flexing and extending. The connection part is welded in an axial direction between the first flexing part and the second flexing part and has a rigidity higher than the first flexing part and the second flexing part. The first flexing part and the second flexing part each include wave washers stacked in the axial direction and welded to each other. The connection part has a circulating shape in which an inner circumference and an outer circumference are each continuous in a circumferential direction.