Hydraulic Robotic Arm With Internal Hose Routing for Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulically-actuated robotic systems face challenges in fitting within restricted spaces due to external hydraulic hoses that increase the robot's dimensions and pose hazards, while also requiring high power and precision for end effectors like humanoid hands.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a hydraulic system within or on the robotic arm, using a common pump and miniaturized components, allows for internal routing of hydraulic hoses, reducing external couplings and enhancing the robot's ability to operate in confined spaces with high power and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If external hydraulic hoses are used to power robotic arms, then the system can provide high power to end effectors, but the robot's dimensions increase and it becomes hazardous to operate in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system components are nested within the robotic arm structure itself. The robotic arm housing serves as the containment space for hydraulic components, with hoses routed internally through the arm's structure rather than externally. This nesting approach allows the hydraulic system to be embedded within the existing form factor of the robotic arm, eliminating the need for additional external space while maintaining high power delivery to the end effector.
2Device complexity
If external hydraulic hoses are used, then the system can be simpler to design, but the hoses pose safety hazards and increase the robot's footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous external hydraulic hoses are extracted and removed from the system design. Instead of using traditional external hoses that extend beyond the robotic arm, the hydraulic components are repositioned and integrated within the arm's internal structure. This extraction of the harmful element (external hoses) eliminates the safety hazards associated with exposed hydraulic lines while maintaining the functional integrity of the hydraulic power transmission system.
3Volume of moving object
If hydraulic components are integrated within the robotic arm, then the robot can operate in confined spaces, but the internal routing increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical support for movement, the structural framework for operation, and the containment housing for the hydraulic system. The arm's housing and internal structure are configured to double as the hydraulic system's containment space and routing pathways. This multi-functionality approach allows the same structural elements to fulfill both mechanical and hydraulic functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated hydraulic components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 solution reduces the overall dimensions of the robot, minimizes the risk of external hose-related hazards, and provides high-fidelity control and power density, enabling the robot to operate effectively in restricted environments with enhanced precision and safety.
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
Implementation Method 2
Hydraulics is a technology involving mechanical properties and use of liquids, which is based on a theoretical foundation provided by fluid mechanics
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 is 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.