Adjustable Tool Stocker for Flexible Robot Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems face inefficiencies in tool replacement due to fixed attaching/detaching positions of interchangeable tools, which restrict the movement of the robot arm and increase operation time.
Innovation Solution
A tool stocker with an inclining contact surface and position adjustment mechanism that allows flexible attachment/detachment of interchangeable tools, enabling independent generation of robot arm moving paths and reducing operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the finger replacing apparatus is made only for storing the finger at a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the robot arm's moving path is restricted and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The finger replacing apparatus is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic repositioning of the storage location. The apparatus can move along the robot arm's moving path and adjust its position to optimize the robot arm's movement, transforming a static fixed-position structure into a dynamic adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the finger replacing apparatus from a single fixed position to multiple positions along the robot arm's moving path. By adding spatial dimensions and allowing the apparatus to occupy different locations, the robot arm gains more freedom in generating moving paths and reducing operation time.
2Device complexity
If sets of fingers are stored in one stocker, then the stocker structure is simple, but the robot arm must return to the stocker for every replacement which deteriorates work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single stocker is divided into multiple separate stockers, each capable of storing different sets of fingers. These stockers are distributed along the robot arm's moving path, allowing the robot arm to access multiple storage locations without returning to a single central stocker, thereby improving work efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each individual stocker is designed to be universally capable of storing finger sets, rather than requiring a single large stocker. This multi-functional approach allows multiple stockers to collectively perform the storage function, enabling better spatial distribution and reduced travel time for the robot arm.
3Device complexity
If the attaching/detaching position is fixed, then the mechanism is simple, but the robot arm's moving path generation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching/detaching mechanism is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The mechanism can change its position along the robot arm's moving path, allowing the robot arm to generate more flexible and optimized moving paths while maintaining reasonable mechanical complexity through standardized adjustable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool stocker for holding a tool is equipped with a stocker-inclining member that inclines the tool stocker and also equipped with a mechanism that adjusts an attaching/detaching position at which an interchangeable tool is attached to and detached from a robot arm. The attaching/detaching position can be adjusted by using the tool stocker so as to fit moving paths of the robot arm appropriately.