Wire-Constrained Arm Linkage for Predetermined Linear Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arrangements for moving luggage from a conveyor belt to a container are dependent on operator skill and complexity, lacking a reliable mechanism for maintaining a predetermined trajectory without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
An arm arrangement with hinges connected by wires that allow for a predetermined linear motion, independent of operator manipulation, using rotational axes perpendicular to the arms and locking devices controlled by sensors for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of arm motion is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of predetermined trajectory is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wires as intermediary elements that connect the hinges and constrain their motion. These wires act as passive guides that force the arm arrangement to follow a predetermined trajectory while still allowing manual operation. The wires mediate between the operator's manual control and the requirement for reliable trajectory following, eliminating the need for active control systems.
2Reliability
If robotised control is used, then reliability of predetermined trajectory is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The arm arrangement is designed to be self-guiding through the wire constraints. The wires passively enforce the predetermined trajectory without requiring external control systems, sensors, or actuators. The system serves itself by using the geometric constraints of the wire-hinge configuration to automatically guide motion along the desired path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (motors, sensors, control units) with a simpler passive mechanical constraint system using wires. Instead of actively controlling each joint with motors and feedback, the system uses passive wire constraints to guide the motion, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining trajectory reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wires extend and slide around hinge parts, then adaptability of motion is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The wires are configured to extend around portions of the hinge parts that have wheel or shaft shapes with predetermined diameters. This curved geometry around fixed-diameter portions ensures that the wires follow precise circular arcs, providing both adaptability of motion and manufacturing precision. The fixed diameters of the wheel/shaft portions serve as reference features for wire routing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement for moving objects, comprising a plurality of first arms (1, 3) and second arms (2, 4), each first arm (1, 3) being connected to a neighbouring second arm (2, 4) through a hinge (5, 6, 7). Between each pair of hinges (6, 7) that connects a first arm (3) with two second arms (2, 4) there is provided a first wire (14), which extends from a first hinge (6) of that pair of hinges to a second hinge (7) of that pair of hinges and which extends around a second part (11) of said first hinge (6) and a second part (13) of said second hinge (7) of said pair of hinges (6, 7), and between each pair of hinges (5, 6) that connects a second arm (2) with two first arms (1, 3) there is provided a second wire (15) which extends from a first hinge (5) of that pair of hinges (5, 6) to a second hinge (6) of that pair of hinges and which extends around a first part (8) of said first hinge (5) and a first part (10) of said second hinge (6) of said pair of hinges (5, 6).