Three-axis machine structure that prevents rotational movement
AssigneeSheldon/Van Someren, Inc.
InventorPaul C. Sheldon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A three-axis machine control structure includes a support structure and a machine component to which a workpiece or tool can be attached. Three control arms are connected between the machine component and the support structure. Preferably, each control arm is pivotably connected to the support structure and to the machine component and includes a pair of four-bar linkages connected in series. The control arms are oriented to permit rapid movement of the machine component along any or all of the three linear axes, while restricting movement of the machine component along the rotational axes.
Claims20
A three-axis control structure that permits an object to move through space along the three linear axes while restricting motion of the object along the rotational axes, comprising:
- a support structure;
- a machine component configured to carry the object;
- and
- a rotational control system connected between the support structure and the machine component, the rotational control system including three control arms, each control arm having a pair of four-bar linkages connected in series such that the pair of four-bar linkages remain oriented generally parallel to a common plane during movement of the machine component, wherein the rotational control system restricts movement of the machine component along the rotational axes relative to the support structure.
A control structure that permits an object to move through space along the three linear axes while restricting motion of the object along the rotational axes, comprising:
- a support structure;
- a machine component configured to carry the object;
- and
- a plurality of control arms connected between the support structure and the machine component, each control arm including links arranged as serially connected four-bar linkages to restrict movement of the machine component along the rotational axes, solely through tension and compression of the links, the serially connected four-bar linkages of each control arm remaining oriented generally parallel to a common plane during movement of the machine component.
A method for preventing undesired movement of a machine component along the rotational axes when moved relative to a support structure, comprising the steps of:
- providing a support structure;
- providing a machine component;
- pivotably connecting a series of links, to form a pair of four-bar linkages arranged in series;
- restricting each four-bar linkage to one degree of freedom of movement with respect to the other, such that the pair of four-bar linkages remain generally parallel to a common plane during movement of the machine component:
- mounting an actuator to move the machine component relative to the support structure;
- and
- connecting the series of links between the support structure and the machine component such that the machine component can move along the three linear axes but is restricted from movement along at least one of the rotational axes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.