Fluid-cable transmission for remote actuation
US12110914B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2322/59
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mechanical transmission system that transmits motions and forces from one location to another while allowing the relative position/orientation of the two locations to change continuously is disclosed. The system can be used to actuate the joints and tooling of a robotic arm using stationary motors in the robot's base. Since the motors do not contribute any weight or inertia to the arm, this yields a lightweight and agile arm that is more human safe. The transmission includes a controller hydraulic cylinder connected to a remote cylinder by a tubing assembly, which contains hydraulic fluid, and a wire cable. The fluid transmits pushing forces between pistons of the cylinders, while the cable transmits pulling forces. The tubing assembly allows the cylinders to move in space relative to one another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.