Hydraulic Robotic Arm With Integrated Circuits for Compact End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems face challenges in integrating hydraulic systems within humanoid robots due to external hydraulic hoses that increase dimensions, hinder space-fitting, and pose hazards, while maintaining power and precision for end effectors.
Innovation Solution
The integration of hydraulic systems within the robotic arm, utilizing a common pump and internal routing of hoses, miniaturized components, and localized hydraulic circuits to power end effectors, reducing external couplings and enhancing space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hydraulic systems are integrated within the robotic arm, then the overall dimensions of the robot are reduced and space-fitting capabilities are enhanced, but the complexity of integrating and routing hydraulic components internally increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates hydraulic components (pump, reservoir, valves, hoses) within the interior spaces of the robotic arm structure itself, nesting the hydraulic system inside the mechanical structure. This eliminates external hydraulic hoses and reduces the overall volume occupied by the robot while maintaining all necessary hydraulic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the hydraulic system with the robotic arm structure by integrating components such as the hydraulic pump, reservoir, and control valves directly into the arm's interior. This merging of hydraulic and mechanical systems reduces the number of separate components and external connections, thereby reducing overall dimensions while managing integration complexity through unified design.
2Volume of moving object
If hydraulic components are miniaturized and integrated internally, then space efficiency is enhanced and external couplings are reduced, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by miniaturizing hydraulic components specifically for integration within the robotic arm's interior spaces, while maintaining full functional capability. The hydraulic pump, reservoir, and valves are scaled down and positioned in specific locations within the arm structure, achieving space efficiency without sacrificing the precision required for hydraulic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The miniaturized hydraulic components are nested within the robotic arm's structural elements, with hoses routed through internal channels and components mounted in designated interior spaces. This nesting approach maximizes space efficiency while containing all hydraulic functions within the arm's footprint, reducing external couplings and improving overall compactness.
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
This approach reduces the overall dimensions of the robot, enhances space-fitting capabilities, minimizes hazards, and maintains high power and precision for end effectors, while providing centralized power and high-fidelity control.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic system comprising, or consisting of, a first plurality of hydraulic components, the first hydraulic system operable to control the first end effector
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a body, a first robotic arm physically coupled to the body, and a first discrete hydraulic system comprising a first plurality of hydraulic components. The first robotic arm includes a first end effector. The first hydraulic system is operable to control the first end effector. The first plurality of hydraulic components are integrated with the first robotic arm. In some implementations, the robot includes a second robotic arm physically coupled to the body, and a second discrete hydraulic system consisting of a second plurality of hydraulic components. The second robotic arm includes a second end effector. The second hydraulic system is operable to control the second end effector. The second plurality of hydraulic components are integrated with the second robotic arm. The second hydraulic system is hydraulically-isolated from the first hydraulic system.