Modular suspended manipulator
US6566834B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/42092
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cable-driven manipulator can precisely manipulate tools and loads using position, velocity and force control modes. The manipulator includes a plurality of cables (2 or more) that are independently controlled by modular, winch drive-mechanisms and coordinated to achieve intuitive manipulator movement in all six degrees-of-freedom. The manipulator consisting of modular sub-assemblies and components (i.e. winch, amplifier, servo interface, sensory feedback), can be rapidly reconfigured to adjust to new applications. Various combinations of manual and automatic control can also be implemented. The winches can be controlled manually by a multi-axis joystick, or can be automatically controlled by computer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.