Eccentric Connector Mounting for Robot Wrist Cable Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for electrically connecting tools to industrial robot wrists are time-consuming and require costly components, as each conductor must be individually mounted, and the cabling is prone to wear and entanglement, necessitating frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an eccentrically mounted connector on the tool flange, allowing for a common connector attachment that eliminates individual mounting of each conductor, using a connector with a housing that can be attached at various angles relative to the axis, including perpendicular or tangential, to optimize cabling routing and reduce wear, and incorporates a circuit board with soldered conductors for reliable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual connectors are separately connected to each pole of the electric interface, then reliable electric connection is achieved, but the mounting time is time-consuming and operation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual connectors are merged into a single integrated connector assembly that connects to the tool flange as one unit. This assembly includes multiple contact elements arranged to engage with corresponding poles simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations while maintaining reliable electrical connections for power and control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is pre-assembled with all necessary contact elements, wiring, and positioning features before being mounted to the tool flange. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the connector is installed, all electrical connections are established simultaneously in a single operation, significantly reducing mounting time while ensuring proper alignment and connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If cabling is drawn through the wrist, then electric connection is established, but the cabling is exposed to wear and entanglement requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cabling is routed through a protective conduit or housing that is integrated into the connector assembly and extends along the tool flange. This nested protective structure shields the cables from external mechanical damage, entanglement with workers or objects, and reduces wear from repeated tool changes and robot operations, thereby extending cable life while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabling is provided with strain relief features and protective routing paths that are built into the connector assembly before mounting. These features include cable glands, bending radius controls, and protective channels that prevent excessive stress and wear on the cables during operation, addressing potential durability issues before they occur.
3Reliability
If a hollow wrist is used to protect cabling from entanglement, then cabling protection is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cabling protection function is extracted from the wrist structure itself and implemented through a separate, dedicated protective conduit or housing that is part of the connector assembly. This allows the wrist to remain a simple, cost-effective solid structure while the cabling receives adequate protection from entanglement and damage through its own protective enclosure that follows the tool flange and connector path.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electrically connecting a tool to a robot wrist. The system includes a first component being a tool flange arranged for rotation around a robot axis, and a second component, which includes an electric cabling and a connector permanently connected to each other. The connector has a plurality of poles and the electric cabling includes a plurality of conductors. Each conductor is permanently connected to a respective pole. The tool flange and the connector are mutually adapted for attaching the connector to the tool flange. According to the invention the tool flange has eccentric mounting means arranged for eccentric attachment of the connector on the tool flange.