Apparatus and methods of positioning an object using an adjustment block
AssigneeMaterialise N.V.
InventorBert Luc Jan MOENS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present application relates to an apparatus and methods of positioning an object using an adjustment block. The apparatus includes at least one adjustment block, wherein each adjustment block comprises a support structure for mounting an object, a base structure, and a plurality of hinged members arranged between the base and the support structures and configured to pivot relative to the support structure. The apparatus also includes an actuator system configured to actuate the adjustment block to move the object to a predetermined location. The apparatus further includes a locking system configured to maintain a position of the adjustment block.
Claims20
An apparatus for positioning an object, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one adjustment block, wherein each adjustment block comprises
- a support structure configured to mount an object,
- a base structure, and
- a plurality of compliant hinged members arranged between the base structure and the support structure, wherein each hinged member is configured to pivot relative to the support structure;
- an actuator system configured to actuate the adjustment block to move the object to a predetermined position;
- and
- a locking system configured to maintain a position of the adjustment block.
A method for positioning an object to a predetermined position, the method comprising:
- positioning the object on an adjustment block, wherein the adjustment block comprises a support structure configured to mount the object, a base structure, and a plurality of compliant hinged members arranged between the base structure and the support structure, each hinged member being configured to pivot relative to the support structure;
- measuring a position of the object;
- calculating a direction of movement of the hinged members based on a difference between the position of the object and the predetermined position;
- actuating the adjustment block based on the direction of movement;
- repeating the steps of measuring, calculating, and actuating continuously until the object reaches the predetermined position;
- and
- locking the adjustment block to maintain the position of the object.
A method of manufacturing an adjustment block, the method comprising:
- designing the adjustment block to create an adjustment block design;
- and
- manufacturing the adjustment block using an additive manufacturing technique, wherein the adjustment block includes
- a support structure configured to mount an object,
- a base structure, and
- a plurality of compliant hinged members arranged between the base structure and the support structure, wherein each hinged member is configured to pivot relative to the support structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.