Automated Station Lever Arm Reduces Seal Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic arms for processing edible fluids face challenges in increasing useful life, reducing construction and replacement costs, and preventing liquid leakage during preparation.
Innovation Solution
An automated station with a robotic arm featuring a releasable mechanical coupling, a linear actuator, a container for edible liquids, and a pivoted lever arm that reduces the force applied to the fluid seal, along with a closure mechanism that adapts to the container's leading edge and includes a wet surface with projections to prevent liquid drops from falling, ensuring controlled liquid dispensing and minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the linear actuator and the closure, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to the container's leading edge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic, adaptable connection. The closure is connected to the linear actuator through a pivoted lever arm that allows relative movement and rotation. This dynamic connection enables the closure to adapt to the container's leading edge while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the lever arm mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into separate functional components: the linear actuator, the pivoted lever arm, and the closure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a system, enabling both strength and adaptability.
2Reliability
If a high force is applied by the linear actuator to ensure tight sealing, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a pivoted lever arm as a mediator between the linear actuator and the closure. This lever arm reduces the force required from the actuator to achieve the same sealing pressure on the fluid seal, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while reducing actuator specifications and overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the mechanical advantage provided by the pivoted lever arm to change the force parameter. The lever arm transforms a larger force applied by the actuator into a reduced force at the closure, optimizing the force parameters throughout the system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the linear actuator is mounted in the conventional orientation, then the structural simplicity is improved, but liquid contamination of internal components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by mounting the linear actuator upside down, with the stem positioned below the sleeve. This inverted orientation causes liquid to drain away from the actuator's internal components through gravity, preventing contamination while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the closure is rigidly fixed to the container, then the positioning precision is improved, but the useful life of the robotic arm decreases due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rigid fixed connection with a dynamic pivoted connection. The closure can rotate and move relative to the container through the pivoted lever arm, which absorbs stress and prevents stress concentration that would otherwise reduce the robotic arm's useful life, while maintaining adequate positioning precision.
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 extends the robotic arm's useful life, reduces maintenance and replacement costs, and effectively prevents liquid leakage and contamination, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operation while safeguarding internal components from corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm pivoted and connected between the linear actuator and the closure so as to reduce the load applied by the actuator to decrease a first force resulting from closure on a fluid seal
Implementation Method 2
the edible liquid has fallen onto the shirt e.g. during the agitation of the container when the closure is closed, it also moves downwards on the stem and does not cross the gap between the stem and the liner
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated station is provided with a tool (11) comprising a linear actuator (16) having a power supply inlet adapted to be releasably connected to a feed line; a container (13) for edible liquids; a closure (14) movable by means of the linear actuator (16) between a closed position in which the edible liquid is in the container so that, for example, the liquid is shaken by the action of the automated station and an open position in which the edible liquid is poured out of the container in a controlled manner through the action of the automated station; and a pivoted lever arm (17) and connected between the linear actuator (16) and the closure (14) so as to reduce the load applied by the actuator to decrease a first resultant force applied by the closure on a fluid seal (32) in said closed position with respect to a second force applied by the actuator to the pivoted lever arm.