Balancing Device Pneumatic Radial Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balancing devices in automation technology are costly, heavy, and large due to their metal construction, leading to undesirable forces on robotic arms and limited ability to compensate for inaccuracies in all spatial directions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A balancing device with a base part and a fastening part, where the fastening part is axially and radially displaceable, utilizing a pressure chamber with blocking sections and counter-blocking sections to lock radially when pressurized, allowing for compensation of inaccuracies in both axial and radial directions, and featuring spring elements and bellows for flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal construction with many components is used, then reliability and strength are improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated housing structure that provides both mechanical support and balancing functionality. The housing integrates the actuator mounting, balancing mass, and adjustment mechanisms into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate metal parts and fasteners, thus reducing complexity while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as the structural frame, contains the balancing mass, provides mounting surfaces for the actuator, and incorporates the adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable operation
2Reliability
If metal construction with many components is used, then reliability and strength are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal to plastic, which significantly reduces weight while maintaining sufficient mechanical properties. The plastic housing with integrated balancing mass achieves the required strength and reliability through optimized geometry and material selection, rather than relying on heavy metal construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic cushioning system using compressed air to provide shock absorption and force compensation. This pneumatic element replaces heavy mechanical springs or dampers, reducing weight while maintaining reliable shock protection and force balancing during operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If compressed air is applied to pressure chamber, then radial locking is achieved, but axial displacement capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the connecting element can transition between two states: locked in the radial direction when compressed air is applied, and free to move axially when air pressure is released. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its constraints based on operational requirements, providing radial stability during precision work while allowing axial adjustment during positioning
4Manufacturing precision
If fastening part is made displaceable in axial and radial directions, then compensation of inaccuracies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connecting element into distinct functional sections: a base portion attached to the housing, a fastening portion for the actuator, and intermediate sections with blocking/counter-blocking features. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide multi-directional compensation with relatively simple components
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
Enables cost-effective compensation of inaccuracies in all spatial directions, reducing unwanted forces on robotic arms and providing a reliable, flexible connection between robot flanges and actuators, while maintaining stability when compressed air is applied.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure chamber that can be pressurized, in particular compressed air, is provided on the fastening part in such a way that the fastening section is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the base part when pressure chamber is pressurized
Implementation Method 2
a wall section delimiting the pressure chamber is deformed due to the high pressure. As a result of this deformation of the wall section, the blocking sections can be displaced when pressure is applied to the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 3
The spring elements are preferably designed in the manner of leaf springs, i. H. the spring elements are designed to be flexible or elastically flexible in the axial direction
Implementation Method 4
The cross section of the rod elements can preferably be round, in particular circular. It is particularly preferred if the rod elements are designed to be flexible, at least in some areas, in the radial direction. Due to the flexible design of the rod elements, they are elastic or flexible in the radial direction, d. H. can be rigid
Data Source
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AI summary
Compensating device, in particular a compensating unit for arrangement between a robot flange and an actuator, comprising a base part and a mounting part, wherein the mounting part is axially displaceable with respect to the base part in the direction of a central longitudinal axis of the device, and wherein the mounting part comprises a bottom section and a mounting section, wherein the mounting section is connected to the bottom section in such a way that the mounting section is radially displaceable with respect to the base part perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the device, wherein at least one pressure chamber that can be pressurized with compressed air is provided on the mounting part in such a way that the bottom section is radially locked with respect to the base part perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the device when the pressure chamber is pressurized with compressed air.