Integrated Cable Unit for Compact Liquid Material Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid material supply devices require significant space due to separate dispense and robot controllers, leading to inefficiencies and increased device size.
Innovation Solution
A cable unit with a built-in dispense controller that integrates with the discharge head and robot, eliminating the need for a separate box-shaped dispense controller, reducing device size and weight, and allowing for compact operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dispense controller and robot controller are used, then control functions are independent and reliable, but device size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dispense controller and robot controller into a single integrated controller unit. This consolidation maintains the independent control functions for both dispensing operations and robot movements while eliminating the need for separate controller housings, thereby reducing overall device space requirements without compromising control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it controls both the dispense head operations and the robot movements through a unified control system. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what previously required two separate controllers, reducing spatial requirements while maintaining full control capabilities
2Ease of operation
If separate box-shaped dispense controller is used, then control functions are distinct, but device weight and load on XYZ-driving devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dispense controller with the robot controller into one integrated unit, eliminating the separate box-shaped dispense controller. This merger reduces the total weight that the XYZ-driving devices must support while maintaining distinct control functions through software or modular control architecture within the unified controller
3Area of stationary object
If dispense controller is integrated into cable unit, then device size is reduced and space is saved, but cable unit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the dispense controller within the cable unit structure, placing the controller inside or along the cable that connects to the dispense head. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact arrangement, reducing device space while managing complexity through integrated cable assembly design that houses control electronics within the existing cable pathway
Data Source
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AI summary
Problems: To provide a cable unit that can save space for a work space, and a liquid material supply device and an application device including the cable unit. Solution: A cable unit 30 that detachably and electrically connects a discharge head 10 configured to discharge a liquid material with a relative-moving robot 20 configured to carry out relative movement between the discharge head 10 and a workpiece 25 , the cable unit having a dispense controller 33 configured to control a discharge operation of the discharge head 10, and a liquid material supply device and an application device including the cable unit.