Clamped Flange Joint With V-Teeth for Fast Robot Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular robotic systems face challenges in quickly and reliably interconnecting modules due to dependence on high surface pressure, friction, and tight production tolerances, which are inefficient and inconvenient for assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A releasable joint assembly using angled contact faces between flanges with V-shaped teeth and cavities, secured by a V-clamp, allowing for a rigid connection without compressive forces, enabling all 6 degrees of freedom in a single step and independent of precise tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securing means (nuts and bolts) are used to interconnect modules, then the connection is reliable, but the assembly and disassembly process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional elements: flanges with tooth patterns, clamps for securing, and modular components. This segmentation allows for quicker assembly by eliminating the need for multiple nuts and bolts, while maintaining reliable connection through the specialized tooth-flange interface
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges are pre-configured with specific tooth patterns and geometries that enable immediate engagement when components are brought together. The preliminary design of the tooth profiles and flange surfaces ensures that proper alignment and secure connection occur automatically during assembly, reducing the time required compared to traditional fastening methods
2Reliability
If high surface pressure and friction are used to support loads between components, then the connection is secure, but the system requires tight production tolerances and complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses curved or angled contact surfaces on the flanges and teeth rather than flat surfaces. This curvature creates mechanical interlocking and directional force transmission that secures the connection without requiring high surface pressure or friction, thereby eliminating the need for tight production tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical connection (relying on surface pressure) with a geometric interlocking system. The tooth patterns and flange geometries create a mechanical lock that transmits loads through direct contact and geometric constraint rather than through friction, eliminating the requirement for high surface pressure and tight tolerances
3Ease of operation
If modular components are designed for quick assembly, then the ease of operation improves, but the force transmission capability and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flange tooth patterns and clamp geometries employ asymmetric designs that provide both quick engagement and strong force transmission. The asymmetric tooth profiles engage in a direction that allows rapid assembly while creating mechanical interlocking that resists high loads, thereby maintaining structural integrity without compromising ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional planar connection surfaces to three-dimensional geometric features including angled flange surfaces, protruding teeth, and multi-directional clamp forces. This dimensional enhancement allows the connection to achieve both quick assembly and high force transmission capability by distributing loads across multiple spatial dimensions
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 rapid and secure assembly of robotic joints with reduced material usage, minimizing the need for heavy central components, allowing for high force transmission without slipping, and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly with minimal screwing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
WO1999001261 covers a method to assemble 2 robotic joints. The method is however depending on high surface pressure and the here from originating friction between the 2 parts or very tight production tolerances to support the necessary loads.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a releasable joint between two component flanges (1, 3). The flanges (1, 3) have a number of teeth (2) on each part that is pressed into contact by clamps, screws or other means. The releasable joint assembly is suitable for establishing a robot joint between a first and second component each having interlocking annular flange with respective contact surfaces, and where these flanges are held in place by a clamp (5).