Rotary Interface for EOAT Reorientation Without Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end of arm tooling (EOAT) systems for automated equipment lack the ability to selectively rotate components, limiting their functionality and requiring replacement to perform different tasks.
Innovation Solution
A rotary interface that integrates into EOAT systems, allowing selective rotation between components coupled to a mechanical manipulator, without an integrated actuation mechanism, leveraging the manipulator's rotational motion to reorient the EOAT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing EOAT systems use fixed components, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the functionality is limited and requires replacement to perform different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the EOAT components to transition from a fixed static structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The rotary interface allows the second portion of the EOAT to rotate relative to the first portion, transforming the system from a fixed configuration to an adaptable one that can change its operational orientation without replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a single EOAT system that can perform multiple functions through rotational reorientation. The rotary interface enables the same physical components to serve different operational purposes by changing their angular orientation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools or component replacements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated actuation mechanism is added to enable rotation, then the functionality increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by using the manipulator's own rotational motion to drive the EOAT reorientation. Instead of adding a separate actuation mechanism, the system leverages the existing manipulator rotation to automatically rotate the EOAT components, making the system self-actuating and eliminating the need for additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rotation function into the existing manipulator system. The rotational capability is combined with the manipulator's existing degrees of freedom, so that the EOAT reorientation is achieved through the manipulator's rotation rather than through a separate integrated actuation mechanism, thereby avoiding additional complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If EOAT replacement is used to perform different tasks, then the functionality changes, but the time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the EOAT during operation through the rotary interface. Instead of requiring physical replacement of components, the system can dynamically rotate the second portion of the EOAT to different orientations, allowing task adaptation without interruption or time loss associated with replacement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary interface for automated equipment is designed to leverage the rotational motion of a mechanical manipulator to cause rotation between a top section and a bottom section of the rotary interface, thereby rotating a first portion of an end of arm tooling (EOAT) with respect to a second portion of the EOAT. This ability to reorient the EOAT increases the functionality of the EOAT and avoids having to replace the EOAT to perform the additional functions.