Non-contact Gesture Robot for Instant Machining Adjustments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic arms require time-consuming programming and updates for machining processes, necessitating instant adjustment capabilities to match user demands efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact gesture-controllable robot with a base, moving mechanism, sensor device, and control device that senses user gestures and executes corresponding actions without physical contact, allowing for real-time adjustments in three-dimensional space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional robotic arms are programmed with machining processes, then the robot can perform desired treatments on articles, but continuous updates of the machining process are time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidtime for updating machining process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical programming interface with an optical sensing system. The sensor device detects hand gestures optically and converts them into control signals, eliminating the need for manual programming updates. The control device maps detected gestures to robotic arm movements through a gesture database, enabling direct intuitive control without time-consuming reprogramming.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sensor device as an intermediary between the user and the robotic arm. This intermediary captures hand gestures and translates them into actionable commands, serving as a bridge that eliminates the need for direct programming interaction while maintaining precise control over the robotic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a handheld remote controller is used to control the robot, then the robot can be operated by user input, but electrostatic interference may occur in controlled environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidelectrostatic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based remote controller with a non-contact optical sensing system. The sensor device detects hand gestures through optical fields rather than physical contact, eliminating the transfer of electrostatic charges that occurs with handheld devices while maintaining full operational control of the robotic arm.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If programming is required for every machining process adjustment, then precise control is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability for instant adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidinstant adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static programming system into a dynamic gesture-based control system. The gesture database contains multiple predefined hand gestures that can be instantly activated, allowing the robotic arm to switch between different machining operations dynamically without reprogramming. The system adapts to user needs in real-time through natural hand movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient and precise control of robotic movements through user-defined gestures, reducing the need for remote controllers and preventing electrostatic interference, thereby enhancing processing efficiency and safety in controlled environments.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor device is mounted to the driven member, and faces toward a sensing zone thereof for sensing, in a non-contact manner, a gesture performed by a user hand in the sensing zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10286567B2Non-contact gesture controllable robot
Publication Date: 2019.05.14 HIWIN TECH CORP
  • US10286567B2 patent drawing
  • US10286567B2 patent drawing
  • US10286567B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A robot includes a moving mechanism, a sensor device and a control device. The sensor device senses a gesture of a user hand in a sensing zone thereof. The control device causes the moving mechanism to perform an action instruction that corresponds to the gesture when the gesture matches a piece of gesture data in a gesture database thereof.