Magnetic Detachment Mechanism for Robot Loading Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rehabilitation robots face challenges in securely attaching and detaching loading units to patients' bodies, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to the need for manual assistance and potential malfunctions causing accidents.
Innovation Solution
A detachable device for a robot loading unit featuring a first magnet unit with a unique magnet pattern and a corresponding second magnet unit in the connection unit, utilizing magnetic forces for secure attachment and rapid detachment, along with a pattern recognition and control system to ensure proper alignment and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Velcro or belt is used to attach the loading unit to the patient's body, then the attachment can be achieved, but manual assistance is always needed and the robot needs to be stopped for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Velcro or belt attachment system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Electromagnets in the loading unit interact with magnetic sensors in the robot's connection unit, enabling automatic attachment without manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical fastening with electromagnetic interaction resolves the contradiction by allowing hands-free, rapid attachment while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system enables the loading unit to attach itself to the robot automatically through magnetic field interaction between the electromagnets and magnetic sensors. The system performs the attachment operation autonomously without requiring external manual assistance, and the robot can continue operating during attachment, eliminating downtime and improving operational efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If Velcro or belt is used to attach the loading unit, then attachment is possible, but it is difficult to attach at the right position and the robot must be stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates magnetic sensors that detect the magnetic field from electromagnets in the loading unit to verify proper alignment and attachment position. This feedback mechanism ensures the loading unit is attached at the correct position automatically, eliminating the need for manual positioning and allowing the robot to maintain operational efficiency without stopping for attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field-based attachment system replaces manual mechanical attachment methods, enabling precise positioning through electromagnetic interaction. The system can detect and correct positioning errors automatically through magnetic field sensing, achieving high attachment precision while maintaining continuous robot operation.
3Reliability
If the loading unit is securely attached to hold the patient's body, then stable support is provided, but in case of malfunction the patient may be injured due to inability to quickly detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic attachment system using electromagnets that can be actively controlled. The magnetic field strength can be adjusted or deactivated electronically, allowing the loading unit to be securely attached during normal operation but quickly detached in emergency situations. This dynamic control enables the system to transition between stable attachment and rapid release, resolving the contradiction between security and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment mechanism allows for rapid extraction or detachment of the loading unit from the robot by deactivating the electromagnets. In case of malfunction, the magnetic field can be immediately turned off, enabling quick separation to prevent injury, while maintaining stable attachment during normal operation through controlled magnetic attraction.
4Ease of operation
If a magnetic attachment system is used for rapid detachment, then emergency separation is enabled, but complex control systems are needed for pattern recognition and magnetic field management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking and unlocking mechanisms with a simpler electromagnetic control system. The electromagnets can be activated or deactivated through simple electrical signals, enabling rapid detachment without complex mechanical operations. The magnetic field interaction provides inherent alignment and attachment guidance, reducing the need for complex control algorithms while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables stable and secure attachment of the loading unit to the robot, allowing for efficient rehabilitation exercises while ensuring patient safety by enabling prompt detachment in emergency situations, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second magnet unit provided in the connection unit, having a second magnet pattern including a pattern that corresponds to the first magnet pattern, and combined with the first magnet unit by a magnetic force generated by power applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable device of a loading unit for a robot, detachably combining the loading unit to a connection unit of the robot, includes: a first magnet unit provided in the loading unit and having a first magnet pattern; a second magnet unit provided in the connection unit, having a second magnet pattern including a pattern that corresponds to the first magnet pattern, and combined with the first magnet unit by a magnetic force generated by power applied thereto; a pattern recognition unit recognizing an object held by the loading unit and one of the first magnet pattern and the pattern corresponding to the first magnet pattern; and a matching control unit controlling power applied to the second magnet unit to apply magnetic attraction force to the first magnet pattern from a part of the second magnet pattern according to operation of the pattern recognition unit.