Embedded-Cable Robot Arm Link for Easier Assembly and Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of robot arm links faces challenges in routing cables without affecting the rotation range and increasing the risk of cable failure, and the assembly and maintenance of industrial robots are inefficient due to cable deformation and the need for disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A robot arm link with a transmission cable embedded within a non-metallic body and connectors for electrical connection, eliminating the need for external cable routing and simplifying assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If cables are routed externally in robot arm links, then cable replacement is simple, but cable routing design is complex and affects rotation range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable with the robot arm link structure by embedding the cable within the link body. The cable is integrated into the link during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate cable routing design and external cable management. This resolves the contradiction by making cable replacement as simple as link replacement while eliminating complex routing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the robot arm into modular links, where each link is a replaceable unit containing its own embedded cable. This allows individual links to be replaced without affecting other parts of the robot, simplifying cable replacement while eliminating the need for complex external cable routing across multiple joints.
2Reliability
If cables are routed through the whole robot from base to wrist, then signal and power transmission are achieved, but robot disassembly is required for cable replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable system into segment-specific cables, where each robot arm link contains its own cable running only within that link. This segmentation allows replacement of individual link cables without disassembling the entire robot, while maintaining reliable signal and power transmission within each link's operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-embedding the cable into the link body during manufacturing. The cable is positioned and secured within the link structure before the link is assembled into the robot, eliminating the need for later cable routing or disassembly for cable replacement.
3Reliability
If cables are arranged in robot arm links, then transmission function is achieved, but cables are prone to deformation and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable with the rigid link body structure, embedding the cable within the link during manufacturing. This integration protects the cable from external deformation forces and premature failure by securing it within the structural integrity of the link, while maintaining its transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by embedding the cable within the link body structure during manufacturing. The link structure acts as a protective enclosure that cushions the cable against deformation and damage during robot operation, extending cable service life while maintaining transmission reliability.
4Ease of operation
If operator experience is used to arrange cables, then cable routing is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-arranging and embedding the cable into the link body during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for operators to manually route and arrange cables during robot assembly, significantly improving assembly productivity while ensuring proper cable positioning through automated manufacturing processes.
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
This solution reduces the complexity of cable routing design, enhances assembly and maintenance efficiency, and increases the service life of the robot by embedding cables within the arm links and providing stable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission cable is integrally formed in the body by injection molding the body
Implementation Method 2
a transmission cable made of conductive material and embedded within the body; and at least one connector arranged on the body and coupled to the transmission cable, each connector adapted to be electrically connected
Data Source
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AI summary
Robot arm link (100) comprises a body made of non-metallic material, a transmission cable (102) made of conductive material and embedded within the body (101), and at least one connector (103) arranged on the body (101) and coupled to the transmission cable (102), each connector (103) adapted to be electrically connected to a connector (1031) of a further robot arm link (1001) of a same specification, a sensor (301), or a power source (302) of the robot (200). By embedding the transmission cable (102) within the non-metallic material to form the robot arm link (100), there is no need to consider how to route the cable (102) and thus the difficulty of cable routing design can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the efficiency of robot assembly and maintenance can be increased accordingly. In addition, the cables (102) arranged in the robot arm links (101) are not easily damaged, thereby increasing the service life of the robot.