Protective Hose Movement Sensing for Robot Cable Guide Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide devices for protective hoses in multi-axis industrial robots fail to reliably detect and prevent damage to the protective devices, which are exposed to high levels of stress and environmental conditions, leading to damage to the protective hose, thus impairing their protective effect, and impairing their protective effect, and impairing their protective effect, and impairing their operational efficiency, and impairing their operational efficiency, and are not addressed in existing guide devices, which often result in cable failure and downtime due to undetected damage.
Innovation Solution
A guide device with a sensor device that measures the movement of the protective hose, allowing for early detection of damage by capturing movement data and comparing it to a reference pattern, and a retrofit kit that can be easily installed on existing systems to monitor the hose's condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guide device with a return mechanism is used to enable compensating movement of the protective hose, then the operational flexibility and reliability of the articulated-arm robot are improved, but the protective hose is exposed to high stresses that can lead to damage and impairment of its protective effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing a sensor device on the guide unit before damage occurs. The sensor device continuously monitors the protective hose for signs of damage, allowing early detection and intervention before the high stresses cause actual failure. This proactive monitoring approach enables maintenance to be performed before the protective hose loses its protective effect.
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection is performed to detect damage to the protective hose, then damage can be identified, but accessibility for inspection is limited in highly automated production plants, resulting in delayed detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated monitoring system where the sensor device continuously inspects the protective hose without requiring human intervention. The guide unit with the sensor device performs the inspection function autonomously, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and overcoming the accessibility limitations in highly automated production plants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection process with an automated sensor-based monitoring system. Instead of relying on human operators to visually examine the protective hose, the sensor device electronically detects signs of damage, substituting manual inspection with an automated sensing mechanism that can operate in difficult-to-access areas.
3Productivity
If the protective hose is not monitored for damage, then the system operates without additional complexity, but cable failure and downtime occur due to undetected damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a monitoring system that continuously provides information about the condition of the protective hose. The sensor device detects signs of damage and can trigger alerts or warnings, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions. This feedback mechanism enables early intervention to prevent cable failure and maintain operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting signs of damage to the protective hose before they lead to cable failure. The sensor device monitors the protective hose continuously, allowing maintenance to be scheduled in advance before actual failure occurs, thereby preventing downtime and maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide device for guiding at least one cable placed in a protective hose, in particular of a joint arm robot, includes a guide unit having a fastening element for securing the protective hose, and a static support. The fastening element is movable along the support to allow a compensating movement of the protective hose and the at least one cable guided therein. A sensor device is configured to measure the movement of the protective hose and thus detect movement data of the protective hose. A proper operation of the guide device is therefore monitored. In particular, the protective hose is monitored for damage. A retrofit kit for forming the guide device, and a method for monitoring a movement of a protective hose of a guide device, are also provided.