Distributed Electronic Drive Devices for Industrial Robot Wiring Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot control systems face complexity and durability issues due to lengthy and prone-to-deformation wiring harnesses, leading to increased installation and replacement times, as well as reduced lifespan of the harness.
Innovation Solution
Distributing electronic drive devices directly on the robot structure adjacent to each motor, connected in series with a central control unit via Ethernet lines, and using adapter plates to secure these devices, which simplifies the wiring harness and reduces heat-related torque derating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic drive devices are distributed on the robot structure adjacent to each motor, then the wire harness complexity is reduced and durability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to distributed architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed electronic drive devices, each located adjacent to its corresponding motor. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex centralized wiring harness by localizing control functions, thereby improving wire harness durability while managing device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized control architecture to a distributed architecture by adding the spatial dimension of localization. Electronic drive devices are positioned in the spatial vicinity of their associated motors, changing the organizational dimension from centralized to distributed, which simplifies wiring while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Loss of time
If electronic drive devices are distributed on the robot structure, then the wire harness length is reduced and replacement time is decreased, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into independent electronic drive devices positioned near each motor. This segmentation reduces wire harness length by eliminating long centralized connections, thereby reducing replacement time. Installation complexity is managed through modular design with standardized mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic drive devices are extracted from the centralized control cabinet and relocated to positions adjacent to their respective motors. This extraction eliminates the need for long wiring harnesses connecting the control cabinet to each motor, reducing both replacement time and installation complexity through localized connections.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electronic drive devices are distributed adjacent to motors, then heat-related torque derating is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic drive devices act as intermediaries positioned between the motors and the control system. By locating these devices adjacent to the motors, they can directly manage motor operation and reduce heat-related torque derating through localized control, while the modular intermediary architecture manages system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an industrial robot, the electronic drive devices for the electrical supply and control of electric motors of the robot are distributed on the robot structure, each being adjacent to the respective electric motor. The electronic drive devices are connected in series to each other and to a central processing unit. In this series connection an Ethernet line is included for communication of the electronic drive devices with the central processing unit. Thanks to this series connection, the robot harness is dramatically simplified and the operations for its replacement are consequently easier and faster. The structure of the connectors between the robot and the control unit is also greatly simplified.