Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The present invention relates to a redundant parallel positioning table device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a redundant parallel positioning table device for a precise positioning of heavy load samples, instrument and/or apparatus, e.g., in the fields and use of diffractometer machines for synchrotron facilities.
Positioning systems and devices for the positioning of samples for different purposes have long been known in the prior art.
Some research on new or existent materials are involving synchrotron X-ray tool and Diffractometers (Dm) machines to investigate the physical and/or chemical properties. To discover the intrinsic molecular and/or atomic structures and its behavior under different environmental conditions, the measurements in these large (microscopes) machines are based on diffraction technique. In order to simulate the real or virtual conditions (e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.) for a sample, the additional instruments and/or apparatus are sometimes necessary. These could weigh several tens or hundreds of kilograms and appreciable size, and the aggregates (sample & instruments/apparatus) must be manipulated in the right position towards the incoming X-ray beam. A standard experimental process includes several operations (and/or phases)—fast set ups, alignments, calibrations, go to exactly required position, keeping the pose for relative long time (e.g., hours or days) then, to restart the whole cycle for another investigation. Following these, a required positioning device should be able to perform both, simple and complex motions with enough precision and speed owing at the same time the power for carrying the relative high load and to maintain it for relative long time. Especially, it must be able to do spherical motions around a fixed arbitrary chosen point, called rotation center C (or pivot point P) regarding the sample center, located at a distance (dC) from the instrument base.
Parallel kinematic (PK) principle has been recently more and more investigated as positioning concept based on some advantages against the standard serial (stacked) principle. The most common 6dof topology called hexapod is derived from GOUGH [V.E.Gough, Contribution to discussion of papers on research in automobile stability, control and tyre performance Proc. Auto Div. Inst. Mech. Eng, 1956-1957] and STEWART [D. Stewart, A platform with six degrees of freedom, Proc. Institution of Mechanical Eng.(UK), 1965-1966] works. The GOUGH-STEWART platform mechanism was applied for the first time as motion simulator [C. L. Klaus, Motion manipulator, U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,224, Jan. 3, 1967] and then latter as tool positioning in machine tools industry [P. C. Sheldon, Six-axis machine tool, U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,244, Jan. 29, 1991]. Actual hexapod structures for positioning (e.g., 6-SPS) are fully parallel kinematic mechanisms (PKM) composed from symmetric structures with six variable lengths actuators called struts arranged between two approximate hexagonal (or, disc) shapes—base and moving platform parts, respectively. The position (and, orientation) of the platform is resulting as a combination of strong coupled motions of linear actuated telescopic bars. The benefits are related with the increased payload, precision and dynamics, due to their intrinsic stiffer pyramidal structure. The distinctive class designed for precision positioning is called precision hexapods.
There are several proposed solutions; some of them as available products. However, when intended to be used inside of diffractometers (e.g. Dm5021/I07/DLS, HUBER GmbH Co&KG, DLS-Diamond Light Source, I07-Beam line) they are exhibiting some drawbacks in relation with the required manipulation (e.g. load: >50 kg, dc=170 mm, repeatability: ±2 μm, speed: 3 mm/s) and the available Dm working space (DxA=400×420 mm, D-diameter, A-height) parameters: a) the maximum manipulated load not enough (for those fulfilling DxA, or dc), b) the rotation center point distance (dc) not inside of DxA (for all caring bigger load) and c) the workspace relative small (for both, above cases). Shortly, the hexapods volume, especially the heights are too big (or, too small) compared with the performances they offer for the allocated Dm space. In addition, the mounting surface of the platform for large instruments not always well prepared (e.g., large aperture, for cable management).
This is because the designers face with: a) the necessity to pack “inside” of the actuation struts (telescopic bars) an appreciable number of components (e.g., motor, gearhead/harmonic drive, guides, sensors, etc.); b) the shape of the workspace is resulting complex, because of the intersected number and size of the actuators; c) the undesired dynamic effects for moving motorized legs, sometimes appreciable, affecting the maximum speed. And the singularities (and, collisions) occurred must be detected and avoided for precision tasks; however, difficult to be done, as is direct related with the numbers of joints and components. Finally, the simple motions: translation-X,Y,Z (and/or rotations-Rx,Ry,Rz) are difficult to be predicted by non-parallel kinematic expert staff, when simple and fast alignment operations are to be done in the experimental rooms.
Other architectures have been investigated during the time for precision 6dof positioning tasks.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,566 relates to a six degree-of-freedom parallel-(mini)manipulator having three inextensible limbs for manipulating a platform attached via three non-collinear universal joints and two-degree-of-freedom parallel drivers. By using the minimum number of actuated and supporting points, and bidirectional planar motors an increased workspace, stiffness and accuracy compared with Stewart/Gough mechanism have been claimed, beside of other advantages e.g. (direct kinematics, few components, etc.). However, the static and dynamic characteristics are very much depending on the number of components (three) being one axis symmetric arranged, only.
There are also several proposals for PK mechanisms working as positioning table devices. PCT publication No. WO2007/055339A1 describes a three-dimensional positioning table (rectangular shape) which has the ability to perform high-precision motions, as a result of combined actions of mainly two separated positioning devices. An elevating (Z) and a table plate (XYRz/PKM) devices are both connected through a planar bearing support plate and three vertical linear guides. The elevation device is including a stage system of two guided wedges which in their relative motions against a fixed support produced the lifting/down of the platform. However, these combined hybrid parallel-serial structures cannot provide whole motion capabilities spectrum (6dof). The Japanese patent publication No. JP2012-51054A describes a positioning table which is using three mobile supports, each of them providing a lifting/down motion through a combination of three linear guided parts on which on one, the motor is attached; and, on the second a spherical bearing. A load in space (3dof) is positioned with this tripod architecture through several moving parts and guiding means supposing to affect the general stiffness.
Redundancy is a relative new concept applied to parallel kinematic mechanisms. It increases the mechanisms capabilities of stiffness, working space, accuracy and speed for both, spatial and planar structures. Two concepts have been studied until now—the kinematic redundancy (adding a chain/leg) and the actuation redundancy (adding an active joint), respectively. The redundancy has also the advantage of avoiding singularities and to work in difficult conditions when one or more actuators are falling. However, few manipulation and/or positioning products have been released until now.
The Japanese patent publication No. JP2010-264526A relates to a redundant spatial parallel mechanism using four pairs of two actuators having one dof each. The architecture is similar with hexapod ones based on strut actuators but with special designed interconnected joints at the top end. In order to perform the required motion task, the control function must take into account only six suitable selected active struts. The resulting height (high) of the device related upon the actuators lengths is similar as in the hexapods case one.
The French patent application No. FR2965207A1 describes a redundant parallel robot having six degrees of freedom. The mechanism can be seen as comprising four articulated kinematic closed chains each with two dof actuation from the base. A main serial chain is supported from other through a rotational joint and then it is connected to the platform through separated rotational joints including a pivotal one. The pairs of actuators are located alongside of a quadrilateral shape moving the platform and acting around the corners. The parallel type singularities are avoided. And, by using rotational motors and arms (bars) high workspaces and dexterity manipulation tasks could be delivered, but not together with precision because the stiffness is not at its best. Improved values perhaps are obtained in the embodiment using vertical linear actuators (FR2964337A1), but the platform size is still supposed to be much smaller than the base is.
The Chinese patent No. CN1730235A relates to a redundant parallel mechanism with six degrees of freedom used as a structure for machine tool in order to increase its axial rigidity and workspace, by using four telescopic legs, each of them moving around a ring base through revolving pairs as part of their sliding blocks. The circular guides realize a large range of rotational movement and increase the attitude space, but the active joints are interposed between passive ones diminishing the maximum stiffness.
All these devices described above have the capability to partially (less than 6 degrees of freedom) or fully (6 degrees of freedom) pose a body in space using either non-redundant (e.g., parallel or hybrid) or redundant (e.g., parallel) structures. However, none of the above devices is perfectly suitable for specific synchrotron related diffractometer applications.
The present invention provides a 6 or fewer degrees of freedom positioning device with superior performance and capabilities by being more adapted to the scope compared with devices of the current art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a positioning table with an increased size (including the aperture) and adequate shape (flat) supporting and fixing surface for carry the specific diffractometers loads. Another object is to provide a table which can accommodate the most demanding tight space requirements by being more compact (e.g., having a lower profile). Another object is to provide a positioning table with increased precision, including stability. Another object is to provide a device with increased speed. Another object is to provide a method to intuitively perform simple Cartesian motions (e.g., translations and/or rotations) automatically or manually.
For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/545,382, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/100,828, which is a national stage application of PCT application No. PCT/EP2014/076795, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, on which this application is based.
The inventor of the present invention has surprisingly found that the devices according to the following aspects of the present invention provide a solution to the above described objects of the present invention and additionally provide technical effects and advantages which were unexpected and surprising in view of the prior art. These technical effects and advantages will be explained and are apparent from the examples accompanying this disclosure.
In a first aspect, there is provided a parallel positioning table device (Rd-PPT) comprising a stationary base (B) and a moveable table (T). The parallel positioning table device can be a redundant parallel positioning device table. The moveable table can be moved relative to the stationary base in all six-degrees-of-freedom (6dof). The moveable table can have a fixing surface (ΣT). The fixing service can be a fixing surface whereupon a sample (Sp) or related bodies (Bo) for investigations can be mounted on. At least one set of four supporting legs may be symmetrically and in pairs arranged around a center of the base connected with one end to the stationary base and with another end to the movable table. One of the supporting legs can be redundant. All of the supporting legs can be 213 kinematics chains (K). Within the context of the present disclosure, redundant refers to any positioning table device having at least one set of four supporting legs, wherein at least one supporting leg is redundant in view of the other legs.
In a preferred implementation of the present invention, the parallel positioning table device can be modular. Within the context of the present disclosure, modular means that the table device comprises the stationary base, the moveable table and the supporting legs in a modular manner. The supporting legs can be provided as positioning modules (Pm). The positioning modules can be arranged vertically and parallel with respect to one axis of symmetry (Z) and orthogonal with respect to a second axis of symmetry (X/Y), preferably as active 2dof pillars.
Each of the positioning modules can be a stacked combination of one active Ac—planar driven and two non-active, El—inclined elevation and Gu—spherical guiding positioning units (Pu), from which the first two (Ac, El) can be compact parallelepiped blocks with the same base shape and size.
Additionally, an active positioning unit Ac can be a 2dof in-parallel actuation A unit. The actuation (A) unit may comprise four orthogonal motion axes, wherein along two of them—adjacent ones, are acting a set of two linear actuation main parts (A11, A12), another (A′11, A′12) being redundant, perpendicularly on the sides of a common mover (M) with planar guiding surface (Σ1).
In a preferred implementation, the parallel positioning table device's elevation positioning unit (El) can comprise a pair of parallel wedges (W) with V-type adjustable inclined guiding surfaces (Σ21, Σ22). The lower part (W1) of the guiding surfaces (Σ21, Σ22) may be fixed on the actuation (A) and the upper part (W2) may be supporting the spherical (S) positioning units, forming a V-type shape with the opposite leg of a (El) positioning unit.
A guiding positioning unit (Gu) may be a compact spherical joint (S). The compact spherical joint (S) can have convex-concave spherical shapes in contact with adjustable (Σ31, Σ32) surfaces. A first part can be a truncated conical pillar p with a precision calibration sphere (S) at one end. Another perpendicularly mounted on the upper side of the elevation (Pu) housing the interconnected (H1, H2) parts integrated in the bottom side of the table.
In a preferred implementation, all four planar 2P joints may be mounted in pairs (2×2P) on the stationary base having orthogonal axis each other (P1P3/P2P4) and substantially parallel to the stationary base surface (SB) forming a coplanar actuation module (Am), as part of a 6-4-(2P)PS parallel kinematic mechanism, with only linear and spherical joints, respectively and passive joints (P) being all inclined with the same angle (α).
The positioning modules (Pm) can be located in the middle sides, or in the corners of a stationary base square and/or movable table in terms of a central aperture (D).
In another aspect of the invention there is provided a use of the redundant parallel positioning table according to the first aspect of the disclosure to generate simple Cartesian spatial: translations—TX or TY or TZ and rotations—RX or RY or RZ motions and linear—X or Y or Z and angular—aX or aY or aZ displacements, as direct involvement of motions with equal, or equivalent displacements, by using all or only some of the corresponding active axes linear motions (tx, ty) and displacements (X, Y).
In a third aspect the present invention relates to a redundant parallel positioning table device. The redundant parallel positioning table device may comprise a stationary base and a moveable table. The moveable table may be moved relative to the stationary base in all six-degrees-of-freedom. The movable table may have a fixing surface upon which a sample or related instruments for investigations can be mounted on. Preferably, at least one set of four supporting legs are symmetrically arranged around a center of the base connected with one end to the base and other end to the movable table.
Ideally, the table positioning device may be conceived to be modular and has the supporting legs as positioning modules vertically in-parallel arranged in respect with one axis of symmetry and orthogonal in-pairs in respect with other of their axis of symmetry.
Each of the positioning modules may be a pre-determinate combination of one active and two non-active positioning units.
The table positioning device may additionally comprise two degrees of freedom in-parallel actuation components with at least two orthogonal motion axis each and a planar guiding surface.
In a preferred implementation, the table positioning device additionally comprises an elevation component based on an inclined guiding surface of which the first said bottom part is fixed on the actuation and the second part said upper is supporting the guiding unit forming a V-type shape with the opposite component from a pair.
The table positioning device may additionally comprise a guiding component with a convex-concave surface connecting the upper side of the elevation component with the bottom side of the table.
All of the active positioning units may be mounted on a planar base and in-pairs, being orthogonal each other and both substantially parallel with the base surface.
On each of the elevation units may be perpendicularly mounted guiding positioning units able to permit orientation motions and displacements for the positioning modules and by their combined work, the entire table device to be translated and/or oriented.
However, by choosing only part of actuation axis, a positioning device with fewer than 6dof can also be made.
In a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a basic methodology for generating spatial motions and displacements as combination sequences of all or some of the active translational motions and/or displacements generated by the table positioning device according to the third aspect of the present invention.
The invention will now be further illustrated by way of working examples. It is to be understood that these working examples will not limit the scope of the protection of the present invention and are intended and presented for illustrative purposes only.
The followings notations are being used:
1, 2 , 3, 4
The architecture of a positioning device is an important factor regarding its capabilities. The chosen structure, kinematics, geometry, and optimum design affect the required final static, kinematic and dynamic parameters.
The graphical representation of a structure working as a positioning table device is proposed in
A general kinematic model helps to define a particular mechanism based on the actual existing (or developed) portfolio of kinematic joints and their general reciprocal arrangements. It is useful also to formulate the methodology of establishing the input/output (closure) equations. The above 6-4-213 graph permits to freely choose the actuated and non-actuated type of joints as: 1dof as linear (P), rotation (R), or helicoidal (H); 2dof as (PP), (PR), or (RR); and 3dof as spherical (S), (UR), or (RRR) joints. A couple of active 2dof joints based on surface/mover principle could be used having—planar (ΣP), spherical (ΣS), cylindrical (ΣC), or toroidal (ΣT) fixed surfaces, on which the linear or curvilinear pathways motions (1, . . . , 8) of the sliders are moving accordingly, as shown in
A kinematics scheme helps to understand the working behavior of a mechanism and to formulate the motion equations. The positioning related problems (direct/inverse) are then solved based on the input/output displacements and geometric parameters. A parallel mechanisms kinematics for a positioning table based on above 6-4-(Pl)2XS model is represented in
Moreover, if damage occurs somehow in a motion axis, the remaining ones could support the work until repaired. Note: The entire kinematics of the mechanism is built on using two types—linear and spherical joints, only. This small diversity could reduce the total manufacturing costs.
A good way to materialize the kinematic principle is a key factor to fulfill the required static, kinematic and/or dynamic performances. In
The second types of Pu include the Elevation (El) and Guiding (Gu) means, respectively.
The (Eli) units are based on planar wedge motion principle consisting of two—lower, fixed on (Aci) and upper, supporting (Gui) parts having reciprocal inclined planar surfaces of motion and auxiliary guiding means (gi). By their relative motion and following the result of the combined actuated unit(s) motions, the upper part moves up and down constrained by the distance of two opposite (Pmi). For heavy loads and precision motions, the simple way of materializing them is to have flat sliding surfaces. However, others contact surfaces, as rolling/rolled (rails) or fluid (air, liquid) based principles can be also taken into consideration if fit with the final required performances.
The Guiding (Gui) Pu are based on spherical motion principles and consist at least two parts—lower, fixed on upper part of (Eli) and upper, supporting and giving the opportunity the table (T) to be oriented in 3D. The relative motion of the above parts involves a spherical guiding surface in order for the table (T) to perform the required rotational motions. The type can be any from compact—rolling, sliding spherical joints (S) principle or even separated—simple rotations joints (RRR) and combination of them (UR/RU) design. Other functional principle, as air or any fluid can be also taken into consideration depending on the applications.
The optimum design including the size and type of components are affecting not only the final performances but the entire characteristics and life of the device. In
The (A) Pu is based on in-parallel actuation principle, consisting of in principle a square shape base (b) on which a pair of two similar linear actuation units (A11, A12) having each of the motion axis (t1, t2) orthogonal each other is moving in principle a rectangular mover (M) solidary being with a table (t) of the in principle same shape with (b) and fixed through several (at least four) fixing (f1,) and centered (e.g., pin, at least one) means. In addition, the (t) has in principle a flat surface supporting the next Pu (W). Each of the single actuation units (A11) and (A12) is comprised preferably of a linear actuated motor (m11), and (m12) with a part fixed on the base and other (pusher) moving free and having a perpendicular and coplanar guide assembly (g1, g2) at one end with one part (preferable, the rail) fixed on (M). By pushing (or, pulling) the (A11) or (A12), the (M) is forced to move in and along each of the orthogonal directions (t11 or t12), but more specific in a (general) planar motion (td through their combined action. This orthogonal actuation unit (A) could be developed further, by enforcing its power through the addition of another preferably orthogonal actuation unit A′ (A′11, A′12). By this, each of the simple main actuation units are working in tandem with the additional ones (A11, A′11/A12, A′12) to perform heavy duty motion cycles by the full working of all four (4) actuators or helping as partial work, in the case of working only three (3), for example. This complete new actuation unit (A, A′) is fitting even better with the square base (b) and table (t) shape forming a strong and compact well balanced powered unit, if necessary. There is no particular limitation in the specific uses of several other in-parallel linear actuators number, as for example three, five, etc., and the corresponding base/table polygonal shape accordingly. However, the two is the minimum. In principle, the guiding means (g11, g12) is preferably from sliding principle, but could be any other, e.g., rolling, magnetic, etc., as well. This at the base in-parallel actuation solution, beside the advantage of being able to provide no moving cable solution with direct effect on increased precision may use specific heavy load guiding means for the mover (M), e.g., 2dof planar bearings Mi. And, in the case of more than two actuators is opening the way to choose smaller size motors and components for a more compact low-profile actuation module inside of the same power parameters as two units. In all cases sensors may be used for more accurate motion.
The Put unit consists of a wedge (W) assembly—a fixed lower part (W21) and movable upper part (W22) which in principle, is having the same support shape surface as similar to that of the table (t) A unit.
By the relative motion of this pair, through the specific guiding means (g21, g22) with V groove profile surfaces (Σ21, Σ22), the upper part can be precisely adjusted for smooth and accurate motion against lower one through a flexible nervure (n) sliced along one of the sliding guides (g21, g22) and fixed then with several (at least two) fixing means (f′2), e.g., screws. The (g21, g22) guides could have any another form which fit the scope, e.g., angular or even other means for performing the translational resulted motion (√{square root over (t)}2), based on rolling principle, e.g., balls, cross-roller rails and carriages; or, for more precise motion requirements, the air guides.
The Pu3 is the Spherical joint (S) positioning unit preferably comprising a sphere (s), e.g., calibration ball manufactured for metrological purpose with small roundness errors encapsulated (but, moving) in two houses (H1, H2) with reciprocal concave surfaces (Σ31, Σ32), and supported by a truncated conic pillar (p). (Hd is holding (H2) and it has an external guiding surface (g) for precise and smooth assembly with the table (T) using several (at least four) screws fixing means (f3). The (H1) and (H2) are adjustable to permit the smooth rotation of the convex-concave spheres with the center substantially coaxial; the conical pillar support axis is perpendicularly mounted in principle on the planar support surface of upper wedge (W22). Between the relative motions of the three surfaces the sliding contact principle is preferable to exist.
Two preferred embodiments using above (Pmi) as parts of entire parallel table positioning device assemblies are shown in
The way of producing the output motions based on the afferent input motions (or, displacements) is a necessary step to understand the working behavior and to evaluate the capabilities of a new device. The method of basic operational principle is described in
Back and forth translational motions along X axis (Tx) are realized by synchronized motion of all actuators along specified axis and in the same direction (ti1, i=1, . . . , 4); the remaining motions-along Y axis (ti2, i=1, . . . , 4) being inactivated (or free),
The same procedure applies to second orthogonal and coplanar axis (Y),
Vertical back and forth translational motions (Tz) of the table can be performed by simultaneously concurrent motions of all actuation unit (Aci, i=1, . . . , 4),
Symmetric rotations around X or Y axis (Rx or Ry) are achieved by combined back and forth linear motions (ti1(2), i=1, 2) of a pair of two actuators Aci (i=1, 2), or at least one non-collinear with the axis of rotation,
Symmetric rotations around the Z axis (Rz) are achieved by combined back and forth linear motions (ti12, i=1, . . . , 4) of the entire set of four actuators Aci (i=1, . . . , 4), or at least three of them,
As resulted from above, by choosing a number of four legs acting and supporting points as a number in-between three points necessary for minimum stability and maximum six imposed for full motion capabilities, and by using compact bi-directional linear actuators, this parallel positioning table is providing a trade-off, between an increased accuracy, speed and stability and dexterity, being able to deliver high power, high-energy efficient 3D positioning trajectories.
The above Redundant Parallel Positioning Table (Rd-PPT) concept can be applied for accurate, high speed, table-like automated or manually driven applications, as for example: alignment, simulation, machining, assembly, measurement, control, or testing or any other operations, from mechanical, optics, semiconductors (lithography, LCD, wafer, printing, etc.) processes in manufacturing, aviation, medical or bio-technological fields including their use in extreme environments (vacuum, cryogenic, magnetic, etc.).
The examples as described above provide a device and method to automatically (or, manually) pose one body or several heavy bodies in space with required precision, speed and stability. The positioning table device is based on symmetric redundant six-degrees-of-freedom spatial parallel kinematic mechanism, a member of the Quadropods family. Each pod (leg) is built as a vertical supporting positioning module actuated by an in-parallel two-degrees-of-freedom motorized unit with motors located at the base and supporting two non-motorized—the elevation and the guiding positioning units, respectively. The elevation units consist of two opposite wedge systems arranged in pairs following the guiding positioning units from spherical bearings types. Through their combined actions, a platform-like table can be easily and intuitively moved in linear and rotational Cartesian directions. In order to manipulate heavy loads as usually in synchrotron applications they are, the device has the characteristics of compact size, low profile, and simple structure providing increased stiffness, precision, and speed positioning capabilities compared with prior art.
Further, the present invention provides fast and easy methods to adapt a 6dof device to various changeable working conditions in the diffractometer environment.
The Redundant Parallel Positioning Table (Rd-PPT) device can be adapted to work with fewer than 6dof (<6dof). The devices having 2dof, 3dof, 4dof, or 5dof are derived from the general 6dof device with appropriate modifications. These modifications provide devices with fewer than 6dof that have similar performance and comparable capabilities, thereby providing more options for sample/diffractometer positioning.
By modifying one or more of the active and/or passive joints from the basic general structure 6-4-213 of
The complete range of Sm structures includes twelve (12) members. For each of these, the redundancy (Rd) changes accordingly.
In the case of when the unmodified active joints (2) are substituted with constrained joints (21), the following structures a) 4-21132, 4-21131, 4-21130 (211) based on 1dof passive joints and b) 4-211032 (2132), 4-211031 (2131), 4-211030 (21) for constrained 10 substitute joints are obtained based on the general 6-4-213 structure. Note that only one effective axis can be eliminated from an actuation point.
By substituting the passive 1dof joint (1) only with a constrained 10 (blocked) joint, in the general case of 6-4-213, the following structures: 4-21032 (232), 4-21031 (231), 4-21030 (2) are of interest.
By substituting the 3dof joints only with constrained joints (3c)—32 and 31 and 30, three Sm structures are obtained by substituting them into the general/unconstrained joints mechanism (6-4-213): 4-2132, 4-2131, and 4-2130 (4-21).
Based on the general 6-4-(Pl)2XS mechanisms (6dof) of
By using the same type of joints (P and S) as in the 6dof/6-4-(2P)PS mechanism of
By using the active constrained joints_(2P)1, working mechanisms with fewer dof are a) 3(XYZ)-4-(2P)1PS0 (3-4-(2P)1P) and b) 2(XY)-4-(2P)1P0S0 (2-4-(2P)1); P1 performs linear (1dof) motion in the actuation. However, in this case, at least four active (effective) axes must work and be concurrent in the same point (base center).
By using the same modular concept as in
The methodology to obtain the simple translational (Tx, Ty, Tz) and/or rotational motions (Rx, Ry, Rz) for any of the modified devices above, starting from the nominal position (Xij=Yij=0, i=1, 2, 3, 4, j=1, 2), is, in principle, the same and is derived from the 6dof device, as in
Thus, by using modified (constrained) dof of the two (P and S) types of joints only, several devices with fewer than 6dof have been produced in addition to those with 6dof. However, by using all types of joints (e.g., R, RL, etc.), and different design concepts, different other working devices with fewer than 6dof can be obtained from the basic 6dof device, forming a complete family (213) of redundant parallel positioning table devices.
Moreover, by modifying the actuation axes locations, as for example 123, the Quadropods' family of redundant parallel positioning table devices can be enlarged with other members.
When the speed and dynamics of a device are not the main concern, positioning mechanisms having other structures with similar or improved performance can be employed. For example, the present Redundant Parallel Positioning Table (Rd-PPT) device can be adapted to work with increased performance regarding the manipulated sample (load). Such (Rd-PPT)m devices are derived from the general 6dof device by applying suitable modifications.
The present invention provides a device with 6dof that has features and scope similar to the device taught above but with increased performance, by which more options for sample/diffractometer load manipulation are provided.
Specifically, the invention provides a solution for adapting the device to work in diffractometer environments with an increased load by better transfer of the force from the actuation to the table being more uniformly dispersed inside the components, especially in performing vertical motions. Thus, a greater load can be manipulated without the design modifications as to increase the size (including stiffness) of the components (passive joints) by using the same actuation (power). In other words, a smaller device can perform increased load manipulation with the same passive components.
In this respect, one of the actuation axes of the active joints from the basic structure (6-4-213) of
On the basis of the generalized geometric model 6-4-(Pl)2XS from
By using the same type of joints in a kinematic chain (K), as in the 6-4-(2P)PS mechanism from
By using the same modular concept in the design, as exemplified in
As in the preferred embodiment of the present invention
The methodology for obtaining the simple translational (Tx, Ty, Tz) and/or rotational motions (Rx, Ry, Rz) for the modified (Rd-PPT)m device, starting from the nominal position (Xij=Yij)=0, i=1, 2, 3, 4, j=1, 2), remains in principle the same as that of the device of
By the modifications described above, some performance characteristics of 213 mechanism are improved, and the Quadropods' family of redundant parallel positioning table devices is enlarged by a new member (123). In addition, by using adequate modified (constrained) joints, devices with fewer than 6dof can be obtained in order to complete the entire portfolio of possible Rd-PPT products.
Thus, it has been shown and described a redundant parallel positioning table device. Since certain changes may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter described in the foregoing specification and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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1321539 | Dec 2013 | GB | national |
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Child | 17301036 | US | |
Parent | 15100828 | US | |
Child | 16545382 | US |