Robotic Tool Changer With Keyed Magnetic Anti-Rotation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool changers for robotic systems are often unreliable, require human intervention, are too slow, do not retain tools firmly, and lack control over undesirable rotations, especially due to low radial strength and axial symmetry.
Innovation Solution
An end effector tool changer with a robotic arm attachment portion and a tool attachment portion, featuring a magnetic system with keyed pin and socket engagement to provide high radial strength and prevent undesirable rotations, while minimizing sensory input and allowing for quick operation with various tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional tool changers use axially symmetric magnets, then the structure is simple, but the radial strength is low causing tool disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from axially symmetric magnets to asymmetric magnet arrangements. Specifically, it uses two magnets positioned at different radial distances from the central axis, creating an asymmetric magnetic field distribution that provides superior radial holding strength while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional tool changers use simple magnetic coupling, then the design is compact, but rotation control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric magnet placement creates an inherent anti-rotation mechanism. The unequal radial distances of the two magnets from the central axis generate a stabilizing magnetic torque that resists rotational disturbances, providing passive rotation control without additional mechanical components.
3Reliability
If manual tool changing is used, then tool retention is reliable, but operation speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tool retention with an automated magnetic coupling system. The asymmetric magnet arrangement provides reliable tool retention through magnetic attraction while enabling rapid, automated tool changes without human intervention, thus improving productivity.
4Device complexity
If conventional tool changers lack engagement features, then the structure is simple, but tool connection is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic coupling with mechanical engagement features (keyed pin and socket). This combination provides both the simplicity of magnetic attachment and the reliability of mechanical interlocking, ensuring secure tool connection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 solution provides a physically compact, mechanically robust tool changer with high radial strength, preventing tool disconnection and rotation issues, and enabling efficient, automatic tool switching without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic system with keyed pin and socket engagement to provide high radial strength
Data Source
AI summary
End effector tool changers for a robotic system are disclosed. The end effector tool changer is physically compact, mechanically robust, has high radial strength, prevents undesirable rotations, uses minimal sensory input, is suitable for a wide variety of tools, and operates quickly. The end effector tool changer includes a robotic arm attachment portion, including a first magnetic part and a first engagement part, and a tool attachment portion, including a second magnetic part and a second engagement part, where the first engagement part is configured to engage with the second engagement part, the first engagement part and the second engagement part are selected from the group consisting of a pin and a socket, and the first magnetic part spatially and magnetically corresponds to the second magnetic part.