Adjustable Fixture Coupling for Variable-Diameter Robotic Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices struggle to accommodate wires or robotic arms with varying diameters and curvature radii, as they have fixed inner diameters and curvature radii, limiting their applicability.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a fastener and coupling mechanism that includes adjustable base and intermediate portions, allowing for flexible attachment to objects with varying sizes and shapes, using a fastener that extends circumferentially and a coupling mechanism with pivotally attached intermediate members to enhance holding force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the inner diameters of semi-circular rings are kept constant, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it becomes difficult to accommodate wires with different outer diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable guide that can move along the robotic arm, allowing the inner diameter of the semi-circular rings to be adjusted dynamically. This enables the same wiring guide structure to accommodate wires with different outer diameters while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of inner diameter from fixed to variable by introducing a movable guide mechanism. This allows the wiring guide to adapt to different wire outer diameters without requiring multiple fixed-size components, thus improving versatility while keeping the base structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the curvature radius of binding pieces is kept constant, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it becomes difficult to fix to robotic arms with different outer circumferential surface curvature radii

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable guide that can move along the robotic arm, enabling the curvature radius of the binding pieces to be adjusted dynamically. This allows the same support fixing portion to be fixed to robotic arms with different outer circumferential surface curvature radii while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of curvature radius from fixed to variable through the movable guide mechanism. This enables a single support fixing portion design to accommodate multiple robotic arm sizes by adjusting the contact point, thus improving adaptability without complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple base portions are arranged in the width direction, then the adaptability to different sizes is improved, but accurately positioning each base portion requires considerable effort

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable guide that can move along the robotic arm, allowing the base portion to be positioned dynamically at the optimal location. This eliminates the need for precise pre-positioning of multiple fixed base portions, thus improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a single movable guide that can serve multiple functions: it can position itself to accommodate different wire diameters, different robotic arm curvature radii, and different installation locations. This single universal component replaces multiple fixed base portions, improving adaptability without increasing positioning complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If the fastening force acts in the radial direction through pivotally attached intermediate portions, then the holding force is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate portions that can pivot to align with the radial direction of the robotic arm. This dynamic adjustment allows the fastening force to act optimally in the radial direction, enhancing holding force while adding minimal complexity compared to fixed rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate portions as intermediary elements between the binding pieces and the robotic arm. These intermediaries pivot to transmit the fastening force radially, enhancing the holding force while isolating the complexity to a small, manageable component rather than the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4585377A1Fixture, and method for using fixture
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO
  • EP4585377A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4585377A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4585377A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A fixing device (10) includes a fastener (11) and a coupling mechanism (14). The fastener (11) extends in a circumferential direction of an outer circumferential surface of a first object and designed to be fastened to the first object. The coupling mechanism (14) couples the fastener to a bracket. The coupling mechanism (14) includes a base member (20) attachable to the bracket, and a transmission member (30) arranged between the fastener and the first object. Two base portions (20) and two transmission members (30) are arranged in a width direction (Z).