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US 2015/0147108 A1Published application
Modular structures for motion stages
AssigneeInvent-A-Part
InventorsMichael Lundwall, Jerome Miles, Randall West
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular structure includes a structural element, a rod, a knuckle, a rod mount, and a bearing holder. The knuckle is connected to a first end of the structural element and the rod mount is connected through the structural element. The bearing holder is removably connected to an actuated member and slides along the rod held by the rod mount.
Claims20
A modular structure comprising:
- a structural element;
- a rod;
- a knuckle;
- a rod mount;
- and
- a bearing holder;
- in which the knuckle is connected to a first end of the structural element and the rod mount is connected through the structural element and wherein the bearing holder is removably connected to an actuated member and slides along the rod held by the rod mount.
4 more elements
A method for forming a modular structure for a motion stage, the method comprising:
- connecting a first end of a structural element to a knuckle;
- connecting a rod mount to the structural element;
- sliding a bearing connected to a bearing holder over a rod held in the rod mount, in which the bearing holder is removably fastened to an actuated structure.
A kit for constructing a modular frame for a three dimensionally actuated device, the kit comprising:
- at least one structural element having a first end, a second end, and a through hole;
- at least one knuckle for connecting up to four structural elements;
- at least one rod mount to extend through a structural element to secure a rod to the structural element;
- and
- at least one bearing holder to hold a bearing sliding along the rod and to individually and separately connect to a moving structure.
2 more elements
A modular structure comprising:
- a plurality of metal tubes with a rectangular hollow cross section;
- at least two rods;
- a plurality of identical knuckles, each knuckle comprising:
- four attachment cups, each configured to receive an end of a metal tube, wherein the each of the attachment cups comprises:
- tapered walls such that as the metal tube are inserted into the cups an interference fit of the structural element in the attachment cups becomes increasingly tight;
- and
- a through hole in at least one of the tapered walls;
- an indentation in at least one exterior surface of each knuckle to receive a panel;
- at least four rod mounts, wherein each rod mount comprises:
- a base;
- sidewalls extending from the base, wherein the sidewalls are configured to fit around the structural element.
- a rod cup connected to the base, in which the rod cup is configured to accept and hold a rod, in which the cylinder is placed through a hole in the metal tube and the base is fastened to an first exterior surface of the metal tube and the rod extends out of a second exterior surface of the metal tube;
- cylindrical linear bearings;
- and
- at least three bearing holders, wherein the bearing holders each comprise two mutually opposing jaws to snap over one of the cylindrical linear bearings and to be individually connected to a platform;
- wherein the at least three bearing holders are connected to the platform and connected to the cylindrical linear bearings, wherein the cylindrical linear bearings slide on the at least two rods.
13 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.