Engaging Member Triangular Cross-Section for Tool Changer Downsizing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool changers for industrial robots require a large size to suppress displacement of the engaging member due to moments generated by the cam force, limiting the downsizing of the engaging member and the tool changer.
Innovation Solution
The engaging member features a cross-sectional shape with a substantially triangular configuration formed by a first and second dispersing surface perpendicular to each other, allowing force transmission from the cam to the female member body without generating moments, enabling reduced size through minimal radial bolt fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engaging member is tightly fixed to the female member body via a plurality of bolts arranged radially to suppress displacement by moment, then the stability and reliability of the engaging member is improved, but the size of the engaging member and the tool changer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane bolt arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where bolts are arranged at different radial positions and heights. Specifically, the engaging member includes a first bolt at a first radial position and height, and a second bolt at a second radial position and height, creating spatial distribution that efficiently counters moments while reducing the total number of bolts needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of bolt arrangement by specifying different radial positions (first radial position vs. second radial position) and different heights (first height vs. second height) for the bolts. This parametric variation in bolt placement allows for optimized moment resistance with fewer bolts, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and size.
2Strength
If multiple radial bolts are used to fix the engaging member, then the force transmission and moment resistance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bolt arrangement into distinct positional groups - a first bolt at specific radial and height parameters, and a second bolt at different radial and height parameters. This segmentation into discrete, well-defined positions simplifies the overall design compared to a dense radial pattern, while maintaining sufficient force transmission capability through strategic placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric bolt placement where bolts are positioned at different radial distances from the center and at different heights, rather than using a symmetric radial pattern. This asymmetric arrangement is optimized for the specific loading conditions and moment requirements, achieving adequate strength with fewer components and reduced complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the engaging member is downsized, then the overall size of the tool changer is reduced, but the ability to resist moment and suppress displacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced size of the engaging member by utilizing three-dimensional bolt placement at different heights and radial positions. This spatial distribution of fasteners creates lever arms and structural rigidity that maintain moment resistance capabilities even when the overall engaging member dimensions are reduced, thus preserving stability in a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bolt arrangement - specifically the radial positions and heights - to optimize the structural efficiency of the downsized engaging member. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves adequate moment resistance and displacement suppression in a smaller component, resolving the contradiction between size and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An engaging member, a female member and a tool changer that can be downsized are provided, and the engaging member is an engaging member including: an engaging surface that allows a cam provided in a male member to engage therewith; and a dispersing surface that transmits a force provided from the cam via the engaging surface, to a female member body, wherein the dispersing surface includes a first dispersing surface and a second dispersing surface perpendicular to each other, and a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to a longitudinal direction is formed in a substantially triangular shape by the dispersing surface and the engaging surface.