Integrated Robot Control Board Simplifies Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot systems face difficulties in installation due to the need for secure space and time-consuming cable management for individual apparatuses and controllers, leading to complex and labor-intensive setup processes.

Innovation Solution

A robot design that integrates force detection units, imaging units, and control boards within a single processor, eliminating the need for external cables by using a multi-core CPU with asymmetric multiprocessing, allowing for parallel processing and simplified installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If robot control apparatus, force measuring apparatus, vision measuring apparatus, and controller are individually provided, then each apparatus can perform its specific function independently, but installation becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need for multiple cables and securement space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the robot control apparatus, force measuring apparatus, vision measuring apparatus, and controller into a single integrated control unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate apparatuses and their associated cables, directly reducing installation complexity while maintaining all necessary functions within one unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - robot control, force measurement, vision processing, and system coordination - all within a single apparatus. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain the capabilities of individual apparatuses while eliminating the need for separate installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple cables are used to couple individual apparatuses and controller, then each component can be connected and controlled, but the cable laying process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging all control and measurement functions into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for multiple cables connecting separate apparatuses. The integration maintains reliable internal connections while removing the time-consuming external cable laying process entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate apparatuses are provided for robot control, force measurement, and vision processing, then each function can be optimized independently, but the space required for placement of all apparatuses increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidplacement space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges robot control, force measurement, and vision processing apparatuses into a single integrated control unit, dramatically reducing the space required for placement. All previously separate apparatuses now occupy one consolidated location, maintaining full functional capabilities while minimizing spatial requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control unit employs a nested structure where different functional modules (control, measurement, processing) are housed within a single compact unit. This nesting approach allows multiple functions to coexist in a minimized space footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3715064B1robot
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3715064B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715064B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715064B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A robot includes a base, a movable unit coupled to the base, and a control board having an imaging calculation unit that calculates output from an imaging unit, a force calculation unit that calculates output from a first force detection unit, and an action calculation unit that calculates an action of the movable unit based on a calculation result by the imaging calculation unit and a calculation result by the force calculation unit, wherein the control board is located inside of the base.