Hu_Intro.mid (c) 1996 by Anthmi Ent. (1 min. 38 sec.)Hu_Intro.mid (c) 1996 by Anthmi Ent. (1 min. 38 sec.)
 |
|
 | A series of Spheres, joined by Collars
Each Joint is flexible in any direction. Each Joint can be locked in state, Or bent to any degree within its freedom of travel. (maby to 30 degrees or so) *Semi spheres Hollow spheres with the tops and bottoms, 'cut off'. (as shown in the diagram). We could call them "Beads".
|
 |
The Beads, are then joined by collars. Shaped 'Rings', that have semispherical surfaces to flush with the not cut off parts, of the cut off ends.
'Locking' the joint between two spheres, can be accomplished by a fixed inner core, with an expanding outer collar. Or with a fixed outer collar, with a contracting inner core. In either case the Bead wall is held firmly between the inner core, and outer collar. There are undoubtedly numerous ways this expansion or contraction could be accomplished. And other ways to 'lock a joint'. And various means of supplying the control signals and electrical power to the joint locking mechanisms. But I think wires through the core, or strung along outside with the tension cables make sense. |
 | 'Locking' the joint between two spheres, can be accomplished by an inner collar.
Two 'end' semi spheres with 'holes in the middle' Joined by a hollow cylinder. with inner diameter matching the 'holes'. |
 | The 'inner collar' semi sphers (slightly smaller in spherical diameter, than the "Balls". But larger in percentage of a whole sphere. Like bigger 'cut off ends', with a hole in the middle. Joined together.
This joining cylinder can be made of quartz/phizo crystal. That will expand and contract when the charge in it is varied. |
The mechanism of bending the joints is accomplished by 3 or four cords strung through holes in the outer collars. At equal angles, to allow the tension, to bend the joint, in any direction. (3 would be best actually) ((I will make a diagram with 3 instead of 4 that are shown here, so far))
To bend one joint. Just lock all but one joint, and pull the right string or strings to supply the required bending.
In practice, you might want to leave all the joints flexible while you introduce it into some winding path. or bend a number of joints at the same time, in the same direction.
This 'Snake' is of course a platform to affix an operating head on. With a suitable sheath covering the surface. To aid in surgical procedures. Or any mechanical operation requiring this performance.
The possible applications, and means of operating this device seem virtually endless. I expect one would want to control the locking of the joints by computer. Computer controlled motors pulling the cables, would probly be good too. Though a mechanical manually operated lever mechanism might be of value in some cases too.
These are Renderings of Old N3D files I made when the thought first occured to me. (Early 90s) {(I just ran into them recently when I was looking for a floppy to transfer drivers on)} [I Told a few people but not many. (I was thinking of Patenting.) But I got distracted and more or less forgot about it.]
 |
|