Circular Chain Link With Dual Pivot Axes for Robot Energy Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Circular chains used in industrial robots face limitations in mobility and flexibility, particularly in large angle rotations and high angular speeds, due to torsional forces and wear issues caused by deflection bends, which restrict their ability to adapt to complex movements and compensate for tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The chain links are designed with an additional degree of freedom allowing pivoting about a second pivot axis and translational movement perpendicular to the pivot axes, enhancing mobility and reducing torsional forces, thereby improving the chain's ability to navigate complex paths and gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the circular chain uses a deflection bend to connect two strands, then the chain can accommodate large angle rotations, but the mobility and flexibility are limited due to torsional forces and wear issues
Solution Approach 1:
The circular chain is divided into multiple individual chain links (at least three) that can pivot independently relative to each other. Each chain link acts as a separate segment that can rotate and adapt to different positions, replacing the rigid deflection bend with flexible, segmented connections that reduce torsional forces while maintaining the ability to accommodate large angle rotations.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain links are designed with pivotable connections that allow dynamic movement and adaptation. The first pivot axis enables rotation between adjacent chain links, and the second pivot axis (in some embodiments) provides additional rotational freedom. This dynamic structure allows the chain to adapt to varying angles and positions without the torsional constraints of a fixed deflection bend.
2Device complexity
If the chain links are rigidly connected, then the structure is simple, but the mobility and ability to adapt to complex movements is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The chain links are connected through pivotable joints rather than rigid connections. The first pivot axis allows rotation between adjacent chain links, providing mobility while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic connection enables the chain to adapt to complex movements and high angular speeds without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable connections change the rotational parameters of the chain links relative to each other. By allowing rotation about the first pivot axis (and optionally the second pivot axis), the chain can achieve various configurations and adapt to different movement patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Productivity
If the circular chain operates at high angular speeds, then productivity is improved, but wear and torsional forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pivotable connections between chain links allow the structure to flex and adapt during high-speed rotation. This flexibility reduces the buildup of torsional forces that would otherwise occur in a rigid structure, thereby reducing wear on components while enabling operation at high angular speeds and improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the circular chain into multiple independently pivoting links, the structure can better distribute and manage the forces generated during high-speed operation. Each link can move independently to accommodate dynamic loads, reducing concentrated stress and wear on any single component while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2~4
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
The invention relates to a chain link for a circular chain and to the circular chain for accommodating and guiding energy lines between two connections points that can be moved in relation to each other, in a circular motion about an axis of rotation (d). The circular chain has a circular-arc-shaped body having a circle center-point axis (k), which body is composed of a plurality of sector-shaped chain links adjoining each other in the circumferential direction, wherein the chain links are connected to each other in the adjoining connection regions thereof in such a way that, in each case, the chain links can be pivoted about a first pivot axis (s1) radial to the circle center-point axis (k). The chain link is designed to form a hinge-joint connection with the joint partner and has at least one connection region designed as a first connection region, which connection region is designed in such a way that the hinge-joint connection enables at least one further relative motion of the joint partners in addition to the pivoting about the first pivot axis (s1).