Industrial Robot Dispensing Device With Stepper-Driven Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing systems for industrial robots face challenges in achieving precise and reliable liquid dispensing due to variations in ambient temperature, elevation, and liquid viscosity, leading to inconsistent application of fluids like adhesives and sealants.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system for industrial robots utilizing a stepping motor with a central rotor and electromagnets to control a plunger rod's movement, ensuring precise longitudinal displacement through a mechanical connection that is not affected by environmental factors, allowing for accurate liquid application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic pressure is used to control the dispensing of liquid from a syringe, then the dispensing system is simple to operate, but the dispensing precision deteriorates due to variations in ambient temperature, elevation, and liquid viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic control system with a direct mechanical drive system. A motor-driven lead screw mechanism converts rotational motion into precise linear displacement of the plunger rod, eliminating the intermediary pneumatic pressure control that caused precision variations. This mechanical substitution provides direct, predictable control over plunger displacement regardless of environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw acts as a mechanical intermediary between the motor and the plunger rod. It translates rotational motion into precise linear motion with a defined mechanical advantage, allowing accurate control of the plunger's displacement. This intermediary mechanism provides a direct mechanical relationship between motor rotation and plunger position, eliminating the unpredictable pressure variations inherent in pneumatic systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical connection system is implemented to achieve precise dispensing control, then dispensing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven lead screw mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides precise positioning control, maintains constant dispensing speed, and enables programmable dispensing patterns. This single mechanical system replaces what would otherwise require separate pneumatic pressure control, flow rate regulation, and positioning systems, reducing overall device complexity while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection system is designed to be self-regulating through its inherent mechanical properties. The lead screw's thread pitch automatically translates rotational motion into precise linear displacement without requiring additional sensors or feedback mechanisms. The system's own mechanical structure provides the precision control needed, eliminating the need for complex external control systems.
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
The system provides precise and reliable liquid dispensing by translating rotational movements of the central rotor into controlled longitudinal movements of the plunger rod, ensuring consistent application of liquids in the desired pattern and amount, independent of environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a stepping motor that is connected to the second end of the base plate, where the stepping motor comprises a central rotor having a first rotational axis and at least two electromagnets arranged as a stator around the central rotor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A
AI summary
A dispensing system (1) for industrial robots comprising a base (19) comprising a first end (21) and a second end (23), where the first end comprises a connecting arrangement for a syringe, a connection bracket in connection to the base plate, configured to attach the base to an articulated robot arm (3), a stepping motor (59) that is connected to the second end of the base plate, where the stepping motor comprises a central rotor (61) having a first rotational axis and at least two electromagnets arranged as a stator (63) around the central rotor, a plunger rod (49) having a first longitudinal axis and a second rotational axis and where the plunger rod is in connection to the central rotor, where a rotational movement of the central rotor maneuvers the plunger rod in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the plunger rod, wherein the plunger rod further comprises a rotational lock, where the rotational lock is in connection to the base plate ensuring that the plunger rod is rotationally static during the rotational movement of the central rotor.