Autonomous Dispensing Effector Unit for Robotic Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic arms require complex and cumbersome processes for equipping and reconfiguring end effectors, limiting their adaptability and ease of use across different applications and robots.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous dispensing effector unit with a fluid container, dispensing actuator, and controlling means integrated into the effector body, allowing for autonomous operation with minimal robot interaction, featuring a mechanical screw driven by a stepper motor for precise fluid dispensing and easy interchangeability of fluid containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the effector unit is made autonomous with integrated controlling means, then the ease of operation and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The effector unit is divided into separate functional modules: a fluid container detachably mounted on the effector body, a dispensing actuator unit with its own controlling means, and an interface unit. This segmentation allows each module to be independently controlled and replaced, simplifying operation while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The effector unit is equipped with autonomous controlling means that can independently control the dispensing actuator and fluid container without requiring complex external control systems. The unit can operate with minimal input from the robotic arm controller, simply receiving basic on/off signals while handling its own dispensing operations autonomously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the effector unit is designed for easy interchangeability, then the adaptability improves, but the reliability of fluid dispensing may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid container is extracted as a separate detachable component from the effector body, allowing it to be easily removed and replaced. The container is specifically designed to be detachably mounted, enabling quick interchangeability while maintaining reliable fluid dispensing through proper sealing and connection mechanisms at the interface.
3Ease of operation
If minimal interaction with the robotic arm controller is required, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The effector unit incorporates its own controlling means that autonomously manages the dispensing actuator and fluid container operations. The unit only requires basic on/off signals from the robotic arm controller, handling all complex dispensing control internally and thereby simplifying the interaction interface while containing complexity within the effector unit itself.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the use and reconfiguration of robotic arms by automating dispensing operations, enabling precise fluid dispensing and easy fluid container replacement, enhancing adaptability and reducing the complexity of integrating the effector unit with different robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The dispensing actuator unit may further comprise a mechanical screw for dispensing the fluid from the fluid container. The mechanical screw may be driven by a stepper motor.
Implementation Method 2
the fluid container comprising a piston
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an autonomous dispensing effector unit for a robotic arm, comprising an effector body, a fluid container attached to the effector body, a dispensing actuator unit attached to the effector body, a controlling means for controlling the dispensing from the effector unit, and an interface to the controlling means providing power to the autonomous dispensing effector unit, wherein the dispensing actuator unit and/or the effector body is in fluid communication with the fluid container.