Live Handle Switch for Industrial Robot Teaches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for industrial robots lack an efficient and ergonomic safety switch mechanism that allows for safe manual control and reduces operator fatigue during programming and operation.
Innovation Solution
A portable robot controller with an improved live handle switch that allows for dual-hand operation using two safety switches connected in parallel, enabling the robot to be controlled with one hand and allowing seamless hand switching without interrupting operation, while maintaining robust safety logic and compatibility with existing certification standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single live handle switch is used for robot control, then safety is maintained according to certification standards, but operator fatigue increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single live handle switch is segmented into two separate live handle switches (first and second switches). Each switch independently controls robot movement through parallel safety circuits. This segmentation allows the operator to use either hand separately, reducing fatigue while maintaining safety through redundant independent circuits that comply with certification standards.
2Ease of operation
If dual-hand operation with two safety switches is implemented, then operator fatigue is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate safety switch circuits are merged into a single control system where either switch can independently activate robot movement. The control unit combines both safety circuits in parallel, allowing dual-hand operation flexibility while maintaining a unified control architecture that manages complexity through integrated logic rather than separate independent systems.
3Productivity
If two safety switches connected in parallel are used, then seamless hand switching is enabled and productivity improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel connection of two safety switches ensures continuous control capability without interruption. When one hand releases its switch, the other hand's switch maintains the safety circuit closed, enabling seamless hand switching. This continuity allows uninterrupted robot operation and programming, improving productivity while the control unit manages the dual-switch logic through integrated parallel circuit design.
Data Source
AI summary
A live handle switch in the form of a hand operated safety switch for an industrial robot or a machine is described. The live handle comprises a safety certified switch for operating a robot or other machine safely while under manual control. The live handle switch may be comprised in a portable robot controller of the TPU Teach Pendant Unit type. Such a TPU may comprise control means for moving a robot in three or more degrees of freedom. In other aspects of the invention a system comprising a robot and a control unit and the live handle switch are described.