ACTUATOR-ASSISTED POSITIONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

The positioning system may include a guide, a carrier element configured to engage and carry a workpiece, a motor having a mover element, a restraint device coupled to the carrier element, and an actuator disposed between the restraint device and the carrier element. The guide is movable with respect to the horizontal reference plane so that the carrier element coupled to the guide is inclined with respect to the horizontal reference plane. At least the mover element of the motor can be coupled to the carrier element and can be configured to move the carrier element along a guide. The restraint device may be configured to selectively engage the guide so as to restrain the movement of the carrier element in at least one direction along the guide when the guide is inclined from the horizontal reference plane. The actuator may be configured to displace the carrier element relative to the restraint device along the guide when the restraint device is engaged with the guide.