Articulated Robot Base Rib Structure Balancing Size and Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots are not effectively downsized while maintaining structural stiffness and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The robot design incorporates a rib structure that connects the arm connector and rotating base, allowing for closer proximity of the arm connector and actuator while maintaining stiffness, along with a hollow outer shell and adjustable connection frames to reduce weight and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the arm connector and actuator are positioned closer to achieve downsizing, then the robot size is reduced, but the structural stiffness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot sizeVSAvoidstructural stiffness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The base unit is divided into distinct functional portions: a first portion for the arm connector, a second portion for the actuator, and a third portion for the rib connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural integrity and stiffness despite compact positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rib structure is positioned to straddle the actuator, effectively nesting the actuator within the structural framework. This nested arrangement allows the arm connector and actuator to be in close proximity while the rib provides external structural support, maintaining stiffness within a compact volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the robot structure is compacted for downsizing, then the volume is reduced, but the weight reduction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot volumeVSAvoidrobot weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shell is designed as a hollow structure with optimized wall thickness, providing structural enclosure while minimizing material usage. This thin-walled hollow design reduces weight while maintaining volumetric compactness and structural adequacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit is segmented into functional portions that can be independently optimized for weight, with the hollow outer shell and rib structures providing structural support with minimal material mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3888854B1robot
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP3888854B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3888854B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3888854B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A robot 1 includes an articulated arm 200; and a base unit 100 to which the articulated arm 200 is operably coupled. The base unit 100 includes: a rotating portion 121; an actuator 130 mounted on the rotating portion 121 and configured to rotate the rotating portion 121 about a first axis Axl; an arm connector 140 attached to a first portion P1 of the rotating portion 121. The articulated arm 200 is connected to the arm connector 140 to swing about a second axis Ax2; and a rib 151 straddling the actuator 130 and connecting the arm connector 140 to a second portion P2 of the rotating portion 121. The actuator 130 is located between the first portion PI and the second portion P2 of the rotating portion 121.