Inductive Coupling for Robot Fluid Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid application devices with sliding contacts face limitations in signal and energy transmission due to structural constraints, leading to errors, high maintenance needs, and short service life.
Innovation Solution
The use of inductive coupling elements, such as flat coils with ferrite cores, allows for precise and reliable energy and signal transmission between a static and rotatable element, eliminating the need for cables and reducing maintenance, with integrated signal processing electronics for bidirectional data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding contacts are used for electrical coupling, then the device can transmit energy and signals, but the transmission is prone to errors and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with an inductive coupling system using flat coils with ferrite cores. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact errors by using electromagnetic induction for energy and signal transmission across the coupling point between static and rotatable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flat coils with ferrite cores as intermediary elements that enable wireless energy and signal transmission through magnetic coupling. These intermediary coils act as mediators between the static element and rotatable element, allowing transmission without direct mechanical contact.
2Duration of action of moving object
If sliding contacts are used for electrical coupling, then the device can rotate the spray head, but the service life is limited due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with an inductive coupling system using flat coils with ferrite cores. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact errors by using electromagnetic induction for energy and signal transmission across the coupling point between static and rotatable elements.
3Ease of repair
If inductive coupling elements are used, then maintenance requirements are reduced and service life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flat coils with ferrite cores to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they transmit electrical energy for power supply, transmit control signals bidirectionally, and enable rotational movement detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity despite the advanced coupling mechanism.
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 enables efficient, interference-free, and precise transmission of signals and energy, reducing maintenance costs and extending the service life of the device while allowing for precise fluid application even at high pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling point has inductive coupling elements both on the side of the static element and on the side of the rotatable element. The coupling elements are arranged in such a way that an inductive transmission of energy and/or signals across the coupling point is made possible.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for applying fluids that is suitable for mounting as a tool on a robot arm, and method therefor. The device (1) comprises a static element (3), a rotatable element (2) and a coupling point (8), wherein the coupling point (8) connects the static element (3) and the rotatable element (2) in such a way that the rotatability of the rotatable element (2) is effected. The coupling point (8) has, both on the side of the static element (3) and on the side of the rotatable element (2), inductive coupling elements (11, 11') which are arranged in such a way that inductive energy and/or signal transmission is made possible across the coupling point (8).