Composite-Cable Relay Device for Industrial Robot Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting motive-power, brake, and encoder cables in industrial robots require complex wiring and multiple connectors, leading to increased man-hours, space requirements, and potential structural and resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
A composite-cable relay device with flexible relay cables and hollow housings that connect individual wiring lines from a composite cable to motor-side connectors, allowing for adjustable positioning and simplified attachment, reducing the need for branching and additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual cables (motive-power, brake, encoder) are connected separately to the motor, then connection reliability is improved, but wiring complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cable connections (motive-power, brake, encoder) into a single integrated composite cable assembly. The relay device integrates multiple relay-side connectors into one unit that connects to the motor via a single composite cable, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining individual connection reliability through separate terminal connections within the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides separate terminal connections for different cable types (motive-power, brake, encoder) while being accessible through a single composite cable interface. The hollow housing structure accommodates multiple wiring paths and connectors, enabling one device to handle multiple connection tasks.
2Productivity
If a composite cable integrates multiple wiring lines, then wiring space and installation time are reduced, but cable flexibility and positioning adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the composite cable connection into two parts: an integrated composite cable for bulk connection and separate relay cables for individual terminal access. The relay cables connect from the hollow housing to each relay-side connector, allowing independent positioning and routing of each wiring line while maintaining the space-saving benefits of the composite cable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow housing acts as an intermediary structure between the composite cable connection point and the individual relay-side connectors. It provides internal space for wiring branching and allows the relay cables to extend to different positions, mediating between the fixed composite cable connection and the flexible positioning requirements of individual terminals.
3Ease of operation
If relay cables are made flexible to allow positioning adjustment, then installation flexibility is improved, but structural stability and cable movement control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible relay cables that can be routed through or along the hollow housing structure. The hollow housing itself acts as a protective shell that guides and stabilizes the flexible relay cables, preventing excessive movement while allowing the cables to be positioned as needed during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay cables are designed with flexible properties allowing dynamic positioning during installation, while the hollow housing provides a stable framework that constrains the cables once positioned. The system transitions from a flexible installation phase to a stable operational state.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a composite-cable relay device that connects individual wiring lines of a composite cable to two or more motor-side connectors included in a motor, the composite-cable relay device including: two or more relay-side connectors that are connected to the respective motor-side connectors; hollow housings that are secured to at least one of the relay-side connectors; a relay cable that possesses flexibility and that connects the hollow housings and the other relay-side connectors, wherein a connecting portion to which the composite cable is connected is provided in the hollow housings, and, in the interior of the hollow housing, wiring to be connected to the relay-side connector secured to the hollow housing and wiring to be connected to the relay cable branch off from each other.