Detachable Control CPU for Robot Network Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robot control systems require as many control CPUs as the number of robots, leading to increased costs due to the need for multiple CPUs for each robot control device.

Innovation Solution

A robot control system with a detachable control CPU that can be added to a robot control device, featuring a network controller, servo controller, and connector, allowing for standalone operation and flexible configuration to control one or multiple robots, with the CPU optionally installed in a CPU storage cabinet or host computer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each robot control device is equipped with its own control CPU, then each robot can be controlled independently, but the cost increases due to requiring as many CPUs as robots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of control CPUs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control CPU is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple robot control devices simultaneously. A single control CPU can manage and control multiple robots through a standardized interface, eliminating the need for dedicated CPUs for each robot control device while maintaining independent control capability for each robot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the control functions for multiple robots into a single control CPU unit. Instead of having separate control CPUs for each robot control device, the control functions are consolidated into one shared resource that can be allocated to multiple devices, reducing the total number of CPUs required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control CPUs are used for controlling multiple robots, then each robot has dedicated control, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated control per robotVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control CPU is designed as a universal controller that can adapt to control multiple different robot types and configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single CPU to handle various control scenarios without requiring dedicated hardware for each configuration, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system employs dynamic resource allocation where a single control CPU can dynamically switch between controlling different robots based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing configurations without increasing hardware complexity, as the CPU can be reassigned to different control tasks as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10507579B2Control system to which control CPU is addable

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A robot control system according to the present invention includes a robot control device for controlling a robot, and a control CPU detachably provided on the robot control device, for generating an operation command to operate the robot. The robot control device includes a network controller for communicating with the outside of the robot control device, a servo controller for controlling the robot, and a connector for connecting the control CPU to the network controller.