Linearly Actuated Switch for Robot Crash Protector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art robot crash protector devices exhibit radial variations in the force required to trigger a crash condition indication, leading to non-uniform deflection angles and increased manufacturing costs due to manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A linearly actuated switch assembly is used within a crash protector device, featuring a piston movable in an axial direction, an actuator contacting the piston to move it in response to crash conditions, and a linearly actuated switch that is axially aligned to uniformly detect crash forces applied in any radial direction, improving rotational invariance and manufacturability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art crash protector devices are used, then crash detection function is provided, but radial variations in force required to trigger crash condition occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the crash force detection into multiple independent radial components through the piston structure, allowing each radial direction to be handled independently while maintaining overall rotational invariance. The piston divides the detection function into axial movement and radial force components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric geometry in the piston and actuator components to compensate for radial variations. By carefully designing the asymmetric shape and positioning of these components, the device achieves rotational invariance where the combined effect of asymmetric elements produces uniform response across all radial directions.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment of internal parts is performed, then acceptable crash protector operation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-adjusting through its mechanical structure. The piston and actuator components automatically position themselves to achieve the correct geometric relationship based on the applied crash force, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of internal parts while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from requiring manual mechanical adjustment to automatic self-adjustment through elastic deformation and geometric relationships. The system transitions from a state requiring human intervention to one where physical laws (elasticity, geometry) automatically achieve the desired configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If rotational invariance is achieved through complex mechanisms, then uniform crash detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects axial movement, transmits radial forces, and provides the geometric relationship necessary for rotational invariance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve uniform radial response.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary element between the external crash force and the internal switch mechanism. It translates various radial forces into a unified axial motion that actuates the switch, simplifying the overall structure while achieving rotational invariance.
Data Source
AI summary
A linearly actuated switch assembly is adjustably disposed in a housing stem bore of a robotic crash protector device. An actuation plate is disposed over the central bore of the contact surface. As the piston moves toward the housing base in response to a crash force or torque applied to the actuator, the actuation plate moves in an axial direction, and contacts and actuates the switch. The actuation plate is biased towards the contact surface by an actuation spring disposed between the actuation plate and a spring plate that is rigidly affixed to the housing stem. This arrangement allows the actuation plate to “float” with respect to the fixed spring plate. In particular, the actuation plate may assume the orientation of the piston, which may be canted from its default orientation—normal to the device central axis—by uneven application of force by the actuator.