Actuator Module Cable Routing via Hollow Idler Horn
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Actuator modules face challenges with wire entanglement and limited driving range due to complex wire arrangements, which hinder the assembly and operation of articulated robots, particularly when multiple modules are connected.
Innovation Solution
The actuator module design incorporates a first housing with a terminal portion for cable connection and a second housing with a passive idler horn and tube-shaped bearing, allowing cables to extend internally and externally without obstructing the active shaft, reducing entanglement and improving aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wires are arranged externally on the actuator module housing, then connection and control are enabled, but wire entanglement and limited driving range occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by routing wires through the hollow interior space of the idler horn, which is itself nested within the actuator module housing. This allows wires to be concealed within existing structural voids rather than running externally, preventing entanglement while maintaining full driving range of the actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions wire routing from a two-dimensional external surface arrangement to a three-dimensional internal pathway through the idler horn hollow space. This dimensional shift allows wires to pass through the interior volume of the actuator module without interfering with external movement or creating entanglement issues.
2Ease of operation
If protruding structures with through-holes are added to housing side surfaces for wire passage, then wire connection is enabled, but driving range is limited and exterior becomes untidy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wire routing function from the external housing surface and relocates it to the internal hollow space of the idler horn. This separation removes the need for protruding through-holes in the housing, maintaining a clean exterior while still enabling wire connection and passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The idler horn serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the reduction gear, maintains structural integrity of the actuator module, and simultaneously serves as a conduit for wire routing through its hollow interior. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wire passage structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuator modules are connected to increase robot complexity, then more functions are achieved, but wire arrangement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wire routing path into distinct sections: wires enter the actuator module, pass through the idler horn hollow space, and exit to connect with other modules. This segmentation allows each actuator module to be independently wired without creating a complex overall arrangement, as the modular internal routing repeats consistently across multiple modules.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention provides an actuator module which can be equipped with a motor, a reduction gear and a control circuit, the actuator module comprising: a first housing which can have an active shaft, connected to a motor, pass through and be coupled thereto; and a second housing which is coupled to the first housing and has a passive idler horn, provided in a position in correspondence with the active shaft, pass through and be coupled thereto, wherein the idler horn has interposed a tube-shaped bearing, having a hollow portion formed in the center thereof, is coupled to a side of the second housing, and can have a cable connected into the second housing through the hollow portion of the tube-shaped bearing.