Cable-Driven Robot Conductive Cable Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable-driven robots face challenges in providing a reliable and efficient means to supply electricity or control signals to movable elements without adding weight or requiring significant space and complex coordination with external support structures.
Innovation Solution
A cable-driven robot design featuring cables with a conductive central core for electrical signal transmission and a braided synthetic outer jacket for load resistance, allowing direct supply to the movable element without batteries or external systems, and an auto-aligning movement system to prevent cable stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery or electrical accumulator is mounted on the movable element to supply electricity, then the movable element can be powered, but the weight of the battery adversely affects the movement of the movable element
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical supply function is extracted from the movable element by using the existing cable (which connects the movable element to the base structure) to convey electrical conductors. This removes the battery from the movable element, eliminating its weight while maintaining electrical supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable serving the mechanical function of suspension and movement is made multi-functional by incorporating electrical conductors within it. This allows the same cable structure to simultaneously transmit both mechanical forces and electrical signals, eliminating the need for separate power supply components on the movable element.
2Reliability
If an overhead conveyor or articulated arm with a supply cable is used to provide electricity to the movable element, then the movable element can be powered, but a significant volume is required for the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical suspension, enables movement control through winding/unwinding, and transmits electrical power and signals. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate overhead conveyors or articulated arms dedicated to power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical supply function is merged with the mechanical cable system. The conductors are integrated within the cable structure itself, combining the power transmission function with the existing mechanical support and movement system, thereby eliminating separate support structures.
3Reliability
If an overhead conveyor or articulated arm is used to supply electricity, then the movable element can be powered, but the support structure requires complex coordination to follow the movable element's spatial movement
Solution Approach 1:
The complex coordination requirement is extracted and eliminated by using the cable's inherent flexibility and the winding element's rotational movement. The cable naturally accommodates the movable element's spatial movements through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for active coordination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system accommodates spatial movements by changing its geometric parameters - the winding element rotates to pay out or wind in cable, and the cable itself flexes and reconfigures its shape. This passive adaptation to movement eliminates complex active coordination mechanisms.
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 reliable and efficient delivery of electrical supply and control signals to movable elements while minimizing weight and space usage, with enhanced resistance to traction, flexion, and wear, and automatic cable alignment to prevent stress and deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
The central core (5) is made of a conductive material so as to enable the transmission of electrical current and/or a command signal to an end of the cable (C1) connected to the movable element (EM)
Implementation Method 2
The outer cladding jacket (6) is made of a braided synthetic material so as to provide the cable (C1) with resistance to traction and flexion loads
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The cable-driven robot (100) comprises: a base structure (1); a plurality of cables (C; C1); a movable element (EM) which is maintained suspended by means of the plurality of cables (C; C1); a movement system (2) for moving the cables (C; C1), and thus for moving the movable operating element (EM) in space, comprising a plurality of winding elements (4) of the cables (C; C1) which are activatable in rotation for winding/unwinding the cables (C, C1). At least a cable (C1) of the plurality of cables (C; C1) is realised in such a way as to comprise a central core (5) and an outer cladding jacket (6). The central core (5) is made of a conductive material so as to enable the transmission of electrical current and/or a command signal to an end of the cable (C1) connected to the movable element (EM), while the outer cladding jacket (6) is made of a braided synthetic material so as provide the cable (C1) with resistance to traction and flexion loads.