Compact XY Table Actuator with Integrated Drive Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing XY table actuators face challenges in reducing size and weight while maintaining functionality, as they often require separate drive mechanisms for the upper and lower plates, leading to increased complexity and production costs, and necessitate separate signal line wiring, which complicates installation.
Innovation Solution
The XY table actuator incorporates a stationary plate, a moving plate, and an intermediate plate with built-in X-drive and Y-drive means, where the drive mechanisms are housed within the intermediate plate's receiving chambers, allowing for a compact design without the need for separate fixation, and facilitating signal line management through a single flexible printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate drive means are provided on the lower plate and intermediate plate, then positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both X-direction and Y-direction drive means onto a single intermediate plate, merging multiple drive functions into one component. This integration maintains the positioning capability for both directions while reducing the overall structural complexity and eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms on different plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element and simultaneously houses both the X-drive means and Y-drive means. This multi-functionality allows the single plate to provide positioning capability in both directions without requiring additional separate components.
2Measurement precision
If separate drive means are provided on lower plate and intermediate plate, then positioning capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both drive mechanisms onto the intermediate plate, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs while maintaining full positioning capability in both X and Y directions.
3Extent of automation
If separate signal line wiring is provided for each plate, then drive control is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates signal line wiring by connecting both X-drive means and Y-drive means to the intermediate plate through a single flexible printed circuit board. This merging of wiring paths maintains full automated control capability while significantly simplifying installation by reducing the number of separate wiring connections required.
4Length of moving object
If track rail is arranged on lower table, then stroke amount is extended, but lower table rigidity requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the track rail on the stationary plate rather than on the movable lower table. This reversal allows the track rail to extend the stroke amount without imposing additional rigidity requirements on the lower table, as the rail is now supported by the rigid stationary structure.
5Force
If built-up type structure is used, then load capacity is improved, but height and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple structural components into a unified plate structure where the intermediate plate serves both as a structural support element and as the mounting platform for both drive mechanisms. This consolidation maintains load capacity while reducing the overall weight and height compared to traditional multi-component built-up structures.
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 enables a significant reduction in size and weight, simplifies installation, and maintains the ability to freely move objects within the XY-plane with precise positioning, while suppressing the increase in table height and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The lower body of the intermediate plate (4) is assembled to the receiving groove (20) of the stationary plate (2) through the intermediation of rolling bodies (3)
Implementation Method 2
an upper body thereof is assembled to the receiving groove (50) of the moving plate (5) through the intermediation of rolling bodies (3)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an XY table actuator that, while building-in a drive means for freely moving an object placed on a table within an XY-plane and positioning the object, can be significantly reduced in size and that helps to suppress an increase in table height. The actuator has: a stationary plate (2) having a receiving groove extending in an X-direction; a moving plate (5) having a receiving groove extending in a Y-direction; an intermediate plate (4) whose lower body is assembled to the receiving groove (20) of the stationary plate (2) through intermediation of rolling bodies (3), whose upper body is assembled to the receiving groove of the moving plate (5) through intermediation of rolling bodies (3), and which is movable in the X-direction with respect to the stationary plate, with the moving plate being movable in the Y-direction with respect to the intermediate plate; an X-drive means (6) for propelling the intermediate plate in the X-direction with respect to the stationary plate; and a Y-drive means (7) for propelling the moving plate in the Y-direction with respect to the intermediate plate, in which the intermediate plate is provided with receiving chambers (40, 41) for the X-drive means and the Y-drive means, respectively.