Joint Module Compact Shape via Nested Output Cover

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot joint modules have an irregular shape due to the output cover protruding from the edge of the input sleeve, leading to interference with the external environment and affecting the application effect.

Innovation Solution

The joint module design features a mounting shell with a joint mounting portion and an input sleeve, where the central axis of the joint mounting portion is perpendicular to the central axis of the input sleeve, and the output cover's projection on the input sleeve does not protrude beyond the peripheral edge, resulting in a regular and compact shape that minimizes interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the output cover completely protrudes out of the edge of the input sleeve, then the joint module can be easily assembled, but the overall shape becomes irregular and interferes with the external environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidregularity of overall shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The output cover is nested within the boundary defined by the input sleeve's peripheral edge. The middle part of the projection of the output cover on the input sleeve does not protrude out of the peripheral edge, creating a compact, regular shape while maintaining the functional separation between input and output components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the output cover completely protrudes out of the edge of the input sleeve, then the joint module can be easily assembled, but it interferes with the external environment and affects application effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidinterference with external environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The output cover is nested within the boundary defined by the input sleeve's peripheral edge. The middle part of the projection of the output cover on the input sleeve does not protrude out of the peripheral edge, creating a compact, regular shape while maintaining the functional separation between input and output components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If the output cover does not protrude out of the peripheral edge of the input sleeve, then the shape becomes regular and compact, but may increase assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregularity and compactnessVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The output cover is nested within the boundary defined by the input sleeve's peripheral edge. The middle part of the projection of the output cover on the input sleeve does not protrude out of the peripheral edge, creating a compact, regular shape while maintaining the functional separation between input and output components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint mounting portion and input sleeve are arranged in a perpendicular relationship, with their central axes orthogonal to each other. This asymmetric arrangement allows the output cover to be positioned within the input sleeve's boundary while maintaining clear functional separation and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20250135666A1Joint module and joint robot

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 ZEROERR CONTROL CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are a joint module and a joint robot. The joint module includes a mounting shell and a joint body. The mounting shell includes a joint mounting portion and an input sleeve which are connected to each other. The central axis of the joint mounting portion is perpendicular to the central axis of the input sleeve. The joint body is provided with an output cover. The central axis of the joint mounting portion is perpendicular to the central axis of the input sleeve, and the projection of the output cover on the input sleeve does not protrude out of the peripheral edge of the input sleeve, thereby enabling the overall appearance of the joint module to be regular and compact, and reducing mutual interference between the joint module and the external environment, so as to improve the application effect of the joint module.