DESIGN OF A PITCH-ROLL JOYSTICK BASED ON A THREE-LOBE SPHERICAL CAM MECHANISM

摘要

A pitch-roll joystick based on a spherical cam mechanism is proposed that can be implemented as a haptics device. Spherical cams can replace the bevel gears that are conventionally used in transmission mechanisms involving shafts with intersecting axes to achieve lower backlash, lower frictional losses and higher stiffness. Such a spherical cam mechanism is essentially composed of multi-lobe-cams and conical rollers. Undercutting is a deterrent to the generation of smooth cam surfaces, which calls for the synthesis of a singularity-free spherical cam profile. The issues of high pressure angle and high contact ratio are addressed by means of a multilobe cam. The design of the cam profile and the assembly of the joystick are described. The criteria for the selection of the numbers of lobes and rollers are also explained.