US3577659A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Motion simulator actuator joint
Assignee: Link Flight Simulation Corp
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Filing: 1969-08-06
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Granted: 1971-05-04
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Expires: 1989-08-06
Abstract
Abstract A three degree-of-freedom joint for attaching the upper end of a linear actuator to the motion platform of a six degree-of-freedom motion system. The disclosed configuration combines certain features of a ball-and-socket joint with a gimbal joint to achieve advantages and allow motion excursions not attainable with conventional joints previously used in such applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Karl Kail
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:27
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25J; B25J17/00; B25J17/02; B25J17/0208; B25J17/0216; G; G09; G09B; G09B9/00; G09B9/02; G09B9/08; G09B9/12; G09B9/14; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/32; Y10T403/32114; Y10T403/32196; Y10T403/32204; Y10T403/32254; Y10T403/32262; Y10T403/32311; Y10T403/32606; Y10T403/32631; Y10T403/32803
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
In a synergistic, six degree-of-freedom motion simulator having a plurality of extensible and retractable linear actuators extending between a fixed base and a motion platform, a joint structure for attaching one end of each of said actuators to said platform, said joint structure comprising, in combination; a. an actuator rod end terminating in a substantially spherical ball supported on a shank portion; b. a housing portion including a spherical socket for enclosing said ball, to allow rotation thereof about the axis of said rod end, and an opening through which said shank extends; c. said opening being in the form of an elongated slot having a width only slightly greater than the outside dimension of said shank passing therethrough, and a length sufficient to permit significant relative angular movement of said rod end and said housing portion about a first axis passing through said ball in a direction mutually perpendicular to the axis of said rod end and the elongated axis of said slot; and d. mounting means pivotally supporting said housing means upon said platform for rotation, through significant angular movement relative thereto, about a second axis passing through said ball and mutually perpendicular to said first axis and the axis of said rod end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
In a synergistic, six degree-of-freedom motion simulator having a plurality of extensible and retractable linear actuators extending between a fixed base and a motion platform, a joint structure for attaching one end of each of said actuators to said platform, said joint structure comprising, in combination; a. an actuator rod end terminating in a substantially spherical ball supported on a shank portion; b. a housing portion including a spherical socket for enclosing said ball, to allow rotation thereof about the axis of said rod end, and an opening through which said shank extends; c. said opening being in the form of an elongated slot having a width only slightly greater than the outside dimension of said shank passing therethrough, and a length sufficient to permit significant relative angular movement of said rod end and said housing portion about a first axis passing through said ball in a direction mutually perpendicular to the axis of said rod end and the elongated axis of said slot; and d. mounting means pivotally supporting said housing means upon said platform for rotation, through significant angular movement relative thereto, about a second axis passing through said ball and mutually perpendicular to said first axis and the axis of said rod end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said housing means is formed in two sections, each forming a portion of said spherical socket and said elongated slot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention according to claim 2 wherein said shank is cylindrical and said elongated slot has rounded end portions tapering inwardly toward said spherical socket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention according to claim 3 wherein said mounting mEans comprise a single axis gimbal-type support for said housing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention according to claim 4 wherein said significant angular movement about both said first and second axes is not less than about 80*.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of attaching one end of each of a plurality of extensible and retractable linear actuator rods to the motion platform of a synergistic, six degree-of-freedom motion simulator, said method comprising: a. providing a ball-and-socket connection by which a ball on said rod end is retained within a socket in a housing; b. constraining movement of said ball within said socket to rotation about two perpendicular axes, one of which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said actuator rod; and c. mounting said housing upon said platform for rotation about a third axis, mutually perpendicular to both of said two axes.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of attaching one end of each of a plurality of extensible and retractable linear actuator rods to the motion platform of a synergistic, six degree-of-freedom motion simulator, said method comprising: a. providing a ball-and-socket connection by which a ball on said rod end is retained within a socket in a housing; b. constraining movement of said ball within said socket to rotation about two perpendicular axes, one of which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said actuator rod; and c. mounting said housing upon said platform for rotation about a third axis, mutually perpendicular to both of said two axes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention according to claim 6 wherein said housing is mounted upon said platform by a single axis gimbal-type support affixed to said platform, whereby said actuator rods are movable with respect to said platform as a ball-and-socket connection in two degrees-of-freedom and as a gimbal connection in the third.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3295224A
Cited
US3288421A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-03 | 1974-11-02 | 1975-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-03 | 1978-11-02 | 1979-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-03 | 1982-11-02 | 1983-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |