Linear Axis Robot Z-Tower Rectilinear Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SCARA robots in automated Test and Assembly systems are costly due to unnecessary features and limited in handling multiple objects without increasing the system footprint, as they require multiple radial drive motors and have restricted arm configurations.
Innovation Solution
A linear axis robotic structure with a vertically oriented Z-tower and linear drives allows for rectilinear arm motions, enabling scalable handling of objects within the same footprint by integrating vertical and horizontal movements, reducing the need for additional robots and minimizing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SCARA robots with multi-jointed arms are used, then object manipulation capability is provided, but system cost increases due to unnecessary radial drive motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary radial drive motors from the SCARA robot configuration. By eliminating these extraneous features that are not required for the specific use case, the system cost is reduced while retaining the essential object manipulation capability through the remaining linear drives and arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameters from traditional SCARA rotational joints to linear axis movements. By replacing radial drive motors with linear drives along Z and Y axes, the system achieves comparable manipulation capability with different actuation mechanisms that are more cost-effective for the specific application requirements.
2Productivity
If additional SCARA robots are added to increase object handling capacity, then more objects can be manipulated, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple object handling capabilities into a single robot system by equipping one robot with multiple linear drives and multiple grippers. This allows one robot to perform the work of multiple traditional SCARA robots, increasing object handling capacity without proportionally increasing the system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimension utilization by adding linear drives that move grippers along Y-axis in addition to Z-axis movement. This three-dimensional motion capability allows the robot to access multiple object positions vertically, effectively increasing handling capacity within the same horizontal footprint.
3Quantity of substance
If SCARA robots are configured with multiple arms, then more objects can be handled, but the number of arms is limited and requires additional robots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single robot arm to handle multiple objects through multiple independently controlled grippers. Each gripper can be positioned and controlled separately, allowing the system to pick, place, and manipulate multiple objects sequentially or simultaneously without requiring multiple physical arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability where the number of active grippers and their positions can be dynamically adjusted based on the task requirements. This allows the system to adapt its effective arm count and configuration flexibly, handling varying numbers of objects without physical reconfiguration of the robot structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear axis robotic structure including a Z-tower. A vertical drive is configured within the Z-tower, and a vertical drive mechanism is adapted to integrate with the vertical drive for linear movement along the Z-tower along a Z-axis. A first section arm is adapted to attach to the vertical drive mechanism and having a horizontal orientation, wherein the first section arm is configured for linear movement along the Z-tower with movement of the vertical drive mechanism. A first linear drive is configured within the first section arm. A first linear drive mechanism is adapted to integrate with the first linear drive for linear movement along the first section arm along a Y-axis. A first gripper is adapted to attach to the first linear drive mechanism and adapted for linear movement along the Y-axis with movement of the first linear drive mechanism.