Articulated Robot Joint Encoder Assembly for Faster Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

The encoder assembly in articulated robots has complex assembly steps due to its multiple components, which complicates the assembly process and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A joint module design that integrates a hollow shaft with a speed reducer assembly and motor assembly, along with an encoder assembly comprising an encoder mounting base, outer ring, middle ring, inner ring, input code wheel, output code wheel, and encoder read head, where the inner ring is sleeved on the hollow shaft, and the middle ring is connected to the power output end, allowing for simplified assembly by sleeveing the inner ring and connecting the encoder mounting base with the motor assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the encoder assembly includes multiple components assembled in sequence, then the encoder assembly can achieve precise measurement functionality, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoder measurement precisionVSAvoidencoder assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple encoder components (code wheel, encoder body, read head, and mounting structure) into an integrated encoder assembly that is pre-assembled as a single unit. This encoder assembly is then mounted as one component on the hollow shaft, eliminating the need for sequential assembly of multiple separate parts while maintaining precise measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder assembly is pre-assembled and pre-positioned as an integrated unit before installation on the hollow shaft. The code wheel, encoder body, and read head are prepared in their correct relative positions during manufacturing, so that during final assembly, the entire encoder assembly is installed in one operation rather than assembling components sequentially on-site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the encoder assembly includes multiple components assembled in sequence, then the encoder assembly can achieve precise measurement functionality, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoder measurement precisionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple encoder components (code wheel, encoder body, read head, and mounting structure) into an integrated encoder assembly that is pre-assembled as a single unit. This encoder assembly is then mounted as one component on the hollow shaft, eliminating the need for sequential assembly of multiple separate parts while maintaining precise measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder assembly is pre-assembled and pre-positioned as an integrated unit before installation on the hollow shaft. The code wheel, encoder body, and read head are prepared in their correct relative positions during manufacturing, so that during final assembly, the entire encoder assembly is installed in one operation rather than assembling components sequentially on-site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the encoder assembly includes multiple components, then the encoder can perform comprehensive measurement functions, but the assembly procedure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoder measurement functionalityVSAvoidassembly procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple encoder components (code wheel, encoder body, read head, and mounting structure) into an integrated encoder assembly that is pre-assembled as a single unit. This encoder assembly is then mounted as one component on the hollow shaft, eliminating the need for sequential assembly of multiple separate parts while maintaining precise measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the encoder system into two main segments: an integrated encoder assembly (containing code wheel, encoder body, and read head) and the hollow shaft with mounting structure. This segmentation allows the complex encoder components to be manufactured and pre-assembled separately as a complete functional unit, then easily installed on the hollow shaft, simplifying the overall assembly procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4446065A1Joint module and articulated robot

Publication Date: 2024.10.16 GUANGDONG HUAYAN ROBOTICS CO LTD

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AI summary

The disclosure provides a joint module and an articulated robot. The joint module comprises a hollow shaft, a speed reducer assembly, a motor assembly, and an encoder assembly. The hollow shaft has a first end and a second end oppositely arranged along its axial direction. The speed reducer assembly is sleeved on the hollow shaft. The motor assembly is sleeved on the hollow shaft in such a manner that the power output end of the motor assembly is connected to the first end via the speed reducer assembly. The encoder assembly comprises an encoder mounting base, outer, middle, and inner rings, an input code wheel, an output code wheel, and an encoder read head. The inner ring is sleeved on and connected with the second end. The middle ring connected with the power output end is sleeved on the inner ring in a running fit. The outer ring is sleeved on the middle ring in a running fit and connected with the motor assembly via the encoder mounting base. The output code wheel is disposed on the inner ring, the input code wheel is disposed on the middle ring, and the encoder read head is mounted on the encoder mounting base.