Magnetic Robot Tool Exchange Coupling Without Pneumatic Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot process tool exchange devices require auxiliary equipment for pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, increasing volume, weight, and cost, and are inefficient in tool exchange time.
Innovation Solution
A robot process tool exchange device using magnetic force to couple and separate process tools, featuring a switching magnetic unit and a clamping unit that undergoes posture transformation to ensure robust and stable coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is used to couple or separate the process tool, then the coupling force is sufficient, but auxiliary equipment is required which increases volume, weight, cost, and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic or hydraulic mechanical system with a magnetic field-based coupling system. The robot includes a magnetic coupling device that generates magnetic attraction force to couple the process tool, eliminating the need for compressors, hoses, and other pneumatic/hydraulic auxiliary equipment while maintaining sufficient coupling force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the auxiliary equipment (compressors, pneumatic/hydraulic hoses) from the robot system by replacing the entire pneumatic/hydraulic coupling mechanism with a magnetic coupling device that integrates directly into the robot structure, thereby reducing volume, weight, and complexity.
2Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is used to operate the exchange device, then coupling is achieved, but the time required to exchange the process tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow pneumatic/hydraulic pressure buildup and release mechanism with an instantaneous magnetic field activation and deactivation system. The magnetic coupling device can be activated or deactivated electronically, allowing for rapid tool exchange without the time delays associated with pressure regulation.
3Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is used, then coupling is achieved, but the cost of the robot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the expensive pneumatic or hydraulic systems from the robot configuration. By using a magnetic coupling device that integrates into the robot's existing structure, the patent removes the need for costly auxiliary equipment, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining coupling functionality.
4Device complexity
If magnetic force is used to couple the process tool, then the device becomes simpler and operates faster, but the coupling stability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the magnetic coupling force at specific coupling points between the robot and process tool. The magnetic coupling device is positioned to generate focused magnetic attraction at the interface, ensuring stable and reliable coupling while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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
The magnetic coupling ensures stable and robust attachment of process tools, reducing the risk of detachment even under sudden forces, and simplifies the exchange process.
Implementation Method 1
one of the first coupling module and the second coupling module includes a switching magnetic unit configured to generate a magnetic path to magnetically couple the one to the other of the first coupling module and the second coupling module
Implementation Method 2
the other includes a clamping unit configured to undergo posture transformation by the magnetic force generated by the switching magnetic unit creating the magnetic path, thereby clamping the one
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention provides a robot process tool exchange device, comprising: a first coupling module configured to be mounted on a robot; and a second coupling module configured to be mounted on a process tool, wherein one of the first coupling module and the second coupling module comprises a switching magnetic unit configured to generate a magnetic path to cause the one to be magnetically coupled to the other of the first coupling module and the second coupling module, or to release the magnetic path to cause the one to be separated from the other, and the other of the first coupling module and the second coupling module comprises a clamping unit configured to clamp the one by being transformed in posture by means of magnetic force as the switching magnetic unit generates the magnetic path.