Magnetic Fixation for Robot Manipulator Overload Evasion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protection apparatuses for handling devices, such as robots, exhibit limited evasion when forces are below the overload threshold, leading to unsatisfactory precision and guidance during normal operation, and inadequate large-scale evasion when overload is exceeded.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating magnetic elements to fixate the manipulation device at a setpoint position below the trigger force, allowing for immediate and significant evasion when the trigger force is exceeded, combined with a spring mechanism for controlled return and adjustment, and sensor-activated safe operating mode for safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frictional locking balls are used to prevent manipulation device movement, then the device is secured against unintended motion, but the device exhibits limited evasion capability and strong resistance to load below overload threshold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidevasion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based locking ball system with a magnetic field-based fixation system. The magnetic element can be actively controlled to provide strong holding force during normal operation, and when the trigger force is exceeded, the magnetic force is abruptly overcome allowing immediate large-scale evasion. This substitution enables both secure fixation and adaptable evasion response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If locking balls are pushed out of their guides by lifting motion, then the manipulation device can evade, but the pipes and gripping elements exert strong resistance and only allow limited evading motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevasion motionVSAvoidresistance to load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic fixation system is designed to be dynamic and responsive to applied forces. During normal operation, the magnetic element provides strong holding force. When the trigger force is exceeded, the magnetic force is abruptly overcome, allowing the manipulation device to evade by a relatively large amount of travel without the strong resistance characteristic of mechanical locking systems. The sensor device detects the overcoming of magnetic force and triggers safe operating mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If frictional catch elements are used for overload protection, then the device can detect overload conditions, but the evasion response is delayed and limited in magnitude

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverload detectionVSAvoidevasion response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based detection and response system with a magnetic field-based system coupled with a sensor device. The sensor device can detect the overcoming of magnetic force with high responsiveness, enabling immediate detection of overload conditions. This allows for rapid activation of safe operating mode and immediate large-scale evasion response, eliminating the delayed and limited response characteristic of frictional catch elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precise movement guidance below overload forces and immediate large-scale evasion during overloads, ensuring safety and efficient operation of handling devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic element which, through a magnetic force, fixates the manipulation device (1) in a setpoint position at forces below the trigger force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the overload safety includes a spring which acts on the overload safety counter to the direction of the trigger force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10086512B2Protection apparatus for a manipulation device on a handling device, as well as handling device

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A protection apparatus for a manipulation device on a handling device, in particular on a handling robot. The manipulation device has at least one movably developed manipulation element and at least one overload protection which induces an evasion of the manipulation device when a trigger force on the manipulation device is exceeded. The overload protection has at least one magnetic element, which fixates the manipulation device in a setpoint position at forces below the trigger force.