Title:
IMPROVEMENTS IN PARALLEL LINK MACHINE DESIGN
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2002034461
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A hexapod machine is disclosed in which six adjustable length struts (1) couple to a controllably moveable platform (8) at three triangularly spaced locations at each of which a pair of struts couple together and to the platform at a bifurcated universal joint (7). The struts extend away from the platform and through machine nodes (4) defined at triangularly spaced-apart locations in a machine sub-frame, and at each such node a strut extending from one platform location and the next adjacent strut from the next adjacent platform location come together and cross each other in respective hemispheres of a bifurcated sphere journalled for multidirectional pivotal movement in a socket in the sub-frame. The hemispheres each contain a motor which is frictionally engaged with the respective strut so as to enable it to be driven through the hemisphere to adjust its effective length. By control of the motors, the platform position and orientation can be adjusted in space. Also disclosed is a pentapod machine in which a tripod with three adjustable legs defines the position of a first tool support, and the position of a second spaced-apart tool support is defined by two adjustable legs, a tool being supported between said two supports.
Inventors:
BAILEY RALPH PETER STEVEN (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2001/004782
Publication Date:
August 15, 2002
Filing Date:
October 29, 2001
Export Citation:
Assignee:
MAKEX LTD (GB)
BAILEY RALPH PETER STEVEN (GB)
BAILEY RALPH PETER STEVEN (GB)
International Classes:
B25J11/00; B23Q1/01; B23Q1/54; B23Q3/155; B23Q5/38; B23Q11/00; B23Q11/08; B25J17/00; B25J17/02; F16C11/06; F16H13/04; F16H21/44; F16H21/46; H02K7/116; F16H19/02; (IPC1-7): B23Q1/54; B23Q3/155; B23Q5/38; F16H19/02
Foreign References:
| US5857815A | 1999-01-12 | |||
| DE19950357A1 | 2000-04-20 | |||
| US5771747A | 1998-06-30 | |||
| DE19836624C1 | 2000-02-10 | |||
| US5028180A | 1991-07-02 | |||
| US3288421A | 1966-11-29 | |||
| FR2757440A1 | 1998-06-26 | |||
| US5401128A | 1995-03-28 | |||
| DE19609072A1 | 1997-09-11 | |||
| DE29709379U1 | 1997-09-25 |
Other References:
LANGDON R: "PROTOTYPING TECHNIQUES", AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PUBL.LTD. BURY ST.EDMUNDS, GB, vol. 19, no. 5, 1 October 1994 (1994-10-01), pages 44 - 46, XP000476218, ISSN: 0307-6490
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