Load Gripper Weight Compensation for Low-Force Safe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots face challenges in safely lifting and moving large loads due to potential collisions and the need for complex safety precautions, especially when the drive system fails, posing risks to personnel and requiring extensive force to maneuver heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A work apparatus with a weight compensation device that absorbs a significant portion of the load's weight, allowing the drive device to operate with minimal force, ensuring safety by separating the weight compensation and movement functions, and enabling easy, automated load handling even in the presence of a drive failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the drive device is used to move large loads, then the load can be transported, but the force required becomes excessive and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a weight compensation device that applies a counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the external load. This counterweight mechanism reduces the net force that the drive device must overcome, allowing movement of large loads with minimal force while eliminating the safety risks associated with excessive force application.
2Productivity
If the drive device moves heavy loads, then transportation is possible, but complex safety precautions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The weight compensation device automatically counterbalances the load weight, enabling the drive device to move heavy loads as if they were lightweight. This eliminates the need for complex safety precautions while maintaining full load transportation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight compensation device continuously自动 compensates for the load weight during movement, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for external safety interventions or complex control mechanisms.
3Force
If the drive device applies high force to move loads, then large loads can be moved, but the risk of collision and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight compensation device applies an equal and opposite force to the load weight, creating a net force of zero. This allows the drive device to move loads with minimal force, eliminating the collision risk and damage potential associated with high force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gravity (which causes collision risk) into a beneficial counterbalancing force. The weight compensation device uses the gravitational force on a counterweight to offset the load weight, transforming a harmful factor into a protective mechanism that eliminates collision risk.
4Productivity
If the drive device is designed to handle heavy loads, then large loads can be transported, but the motor size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weight compensation device offsets the load weight, allowing the use of small, cost-effective motors that only need to provide minimal force for movement. Without the counterweight, large motors would be required to handle heavy loads, increasing both size and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A work apparatus for lifting and moving an external load (1), includes a base body (14), and a gripper (10) for the load (1). The gripper (10) is movable with respect to the base body (14). At least one drive device (52) is configured to move the gripper (10) together with the load (1). A control unit (11) controls the drive device (52). The gripper (10) together with the load (1) is movable by the control unit (11) at least partially automatically by the drive device (52). The work apparatus includes a weight compensation device (24) for absorbing at least some of the weight of the external load (1), in particular during the automatic movement of the load (1) by the drive device (52). The application of force by the weight compensation device (24) is adjustable, in particular by the control unit (11).