Fluidic Manipulator Indirect Sensor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manipulators for moving heavy loads during assembly require the use of a force measuring device, which impairs direct handling and complicates assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A manipulator system that uses indirect distance and speed/acceleration measurements on a fluidic cylinder, allowing direct manipulation of loads without a force measuring device, with dynamic power amplification and load compensation to simplify handling and reduce cycle times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a force measuring device is used to control the fluidic cylinder, then the load can be moved with power amplification, but the handling freedom is impaired and assembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplificationVSAvoidhandling freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical force measuring device with an electronic control system that uses sensors (position, speed, acceleration) to detect operator intent and control the fluidic cylinder electronically. This substitution eliminates the mechanical interference while preserving power amplification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the operator and the fluidic cylinder. This control unit processes sensor signals and actuates the cylinder based on detected movement parameters, enabling power amplification without direct mechanical coupling that would restrict handling freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If a force measuring device is interposed between the operator and the load, then power amplification is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplificationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical force measuring device and replaces it with electronic sensors that measure position, speed, and acceleration. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve power amplification through electronic control of the fluidic cylinder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the force measurement function from the mechanical system and implements it separately through electronic sensing and computation. This separation allows the mechanical system to remain simple while the electronic control handles the complex power amplification logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If indirect distance and speed measurements are used instead of force measurement, then direct handling is enabled, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect handlingVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary that processes imprecise sensor measurements of position, speed, and acceleration. This control unit compensates for measurement uncertainties through computational algorithms, enabling direct handling while maintaining adequate control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control using sensors that continuously monitor position, speed, and acceleration. The control unit uses this feedback to adjust fluidic cylinder actuation in real-time, compensating for measurement uncertainties and maintaining precise load control despite using indirect measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables direct and efficient handling of loads, reducing assembly complexity and improving movement speed by eliminating the need for a force measuring device and enhancing dynamic power amplification.

Implementation Method 1

at least one fluidic cylinder (12, 14) acting on a holding device (18) for the load (19) and coupled in terms of movement thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic press: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

fluidic cylinder acting on a holding device for the load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPascal's law: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 3

the at least one cylinder (12, 14) has a sensor device designed as a pressure measuring device for the piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 4

indirect distance measurement and a speed measurement and/or an acceleration measurement on the fluidic cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement measurement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentEP2214873B1Manipulator for supporting manual movement of a load and method for operating the same
Publication Date: 2012.04.25 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP2214873B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2214873B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2214873B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluidic manipulator for supporting the manual movement of a load (19) having at least one fluidic cylinder engaging a mounting device (10, 11) for the load (19) and movably coupled thereto for supporting the movement of the load (19) in at least one first movement direction, having a sensor device (23, 24, 26; 127) on or in the fluidic cylinder (12, 14) for capturing at least one measurement value from the group: acceleration of the piston (15, 17) in the cylinder (12, 14), speed of the piston (15, 17) relative to the cylinder (12, 14), position of the piston (15, 17) relative to the cylinder (12, 14), fluid pressure change in the cylinder (12, 14) as a result of the manually initiated acceleration of the load (19) and having a control device (20; 120) controlling a valve arrangement (21, 22) for piston movement in the cylinder (12, 14).Using said manipulator, the operator can grip the load (19) directly and move said load in the desired direction, supported by the fluid.