Manipulator Drive Unit Segmentation for Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulator systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and maintaining the drive unit, often requiring complex bearing arrangements and obstructing energy chains, which complicates assembly, disassembly, and maintenance, especially in compact or hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator system with a drive unit separated from the manipulator arm by a rotatable feed-through element, where the drive unit includes a drive block that can be easily mounted and dismounted, utilizing a gear ring for rotational movement and a compact energy supply system to minimize bearing loads and prevent energy chain obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex bearing arrangement with four bearing points is used for stationary drive motors, then the manipulator arm can be supported, but the device complexity increases and assembly/disassembly becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is segmented into a movable drive block and a stationary housing, allowing the drive block to rotate independently while supported by simplified bearings integrated into the feed-through element. This segmentation reduces the overall bearing complexity while maintaining support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed-through element serves multiple functions: it acts as a separator between critical and non-critical spaces, provides rotational support for the drive block, and integrates bearing functionality directly into its structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex bearing arrangements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If drive components are permanently integrated into the manipulator arm, then structural stability is improved, but assembly and maintenance become time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is divided into separable components: a movable drive block containing drive components and a stationary housing. The drive block can be detached from the manipulator arm through the feed-through element, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining structural stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive block is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the housing through rotational movement via the feed-through element. This dynamic design allows the drive components to be accessed and maintained without permanently integrating them into the manipulator arm structure.
3Ease of operation
If energy chains are routed externally for the rotating drive block, then accessibility is improved, but the energy chains are exposed to damage and hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The energy chains are nested within the housing structure, specifically routed through the feed-through element and protected within the housing cavity. This nesting protects the energy chains from external damage while maintaining accessibility for assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed-through element acts as an intermediary structure that safely guides and protects the energy chains between the stationary housing and the rotating drive block. It provides a protected pathway that isolates the energy chains from hazardous external environments.
4Volume of moving object
If the drive unit is positioned close to the separating section for compactness, then space is saved, but accessibility for assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is segmented with the drive block separated from the housing by the feed-through element. This segmentation creates accessible interfaces at the feed-through element where assembly and disassembly can be performed, while the overall drive unit remains compact when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive block is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the housing, separated by the feed-through element that extends through the separating section. This dimensional arrangement allows compact positioning while maintaining accessibility through the feed-through interface.
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
This configuration allows for a time-saving, compact, and safe assembly/disassembly of the drive unit, reducing bearing complexity and ensuring precise rotational movement while protecting energy chains from damage and hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a gear for transmitting a Rotational movement on the drive block includes a non-rotatably positioned gear ring
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a drive block which is firmly received at a guiding element (4) or an extension of the guiding element. The drive block and the guiding element are rotated together by a rotary drive of the drive block in assembled condition of a manipulator. A gearbox is provided with a rotationally-fixed positioned gearbox ring for transmitting a rotary movement from the drive block.