Adjustable Pivoting Stopper Mechanism for Articulated Robots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting devices with stopper mechanisms have limited flexibility in adjusting the pivoting range and suffer from weak attachment, as stoppers can only be mounted in pre-drilled bolt holes, leading to potential separation under high contact forces.
Innovation Solution
The design features a pivoting device with grooves along a circular arc on the case, allowing for adjustable stopper placement and secure attachment using bolts, eliminating the need for additional bolt holes and enhancing the stopper mechanism's strength by ensuring the stopper contacts side walls, preventing separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stoppers are bolted to the pivoting device and pivoted member using pre-formed bolt holes, then the stopper mechanism can be assembled, but the mounting position of the stoppers cannot be adjusted in the circumferential direction
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into multiple circumferential positions with separate bolt holes, allowing the stopper to be mounted at different angular positions. The case includes a first bolt hole and a second bolt hole positioned at different circumferential locations, enabling flexible adjustment of the stopper's mounting position without requiring new holes to be drilled.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed with multiple bolt holes that can serve different functions: some for mounting the stopper at various angular positions, and others for mounting the pivoted member. This multi-functional design allows the same case structure to accommodate different stopper positions and configurations without requiring additional custom modifications.
2Strength
If stoppers are merely bolted to the pivoting device and pivoted member, then assembly is simple, but the stoppers may separate under great contacting force
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper fixation structure is merged with the case structure by forming bolt holes directly in the case. The case serves dual purposes: as the structural housing and as the mounting substrate for the stopper. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or additional fastening components, providing strong attachment while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt holes for securing the stopper are pre-formed in the case during manufacturing, before assembly. This preliminary action ensures that the stopper can be firmly attached with adequate bonding strength from the outset, preventing separation under operational forces without requiring complex reinforcement structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bolt holes are formed anew in the pivoting device and/or pivoted member to change the permissible pivoting range, then the pivoting range can be adjusted, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The case is pre-segmented with multiple bolt holes positioned at different circumferential locations. To adjust the pivoting range, one simply selects a different bolt hole for mounting the stopper, eliminating the need to drill new holes. This segmentation approach allows easy reconfiguration of the pivoting range while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pivoting device comprises a case, a rotational member configured to rotate relative to the case, and a stopper configured to restrict a pivoting range of the rotational member relative to the case. A plurality of grooves extending in an axial direction of the rotational member is formed along a circular arc coaxial with an axis of the rotational member. A bolt hole, through which a bolt for fixing the case passes, is formed at each of projections that define two adjacent grooves. A portion of the stopper is inserted in the groove, and the stopper is fixed to the case by the bolts for fixing the case.