Manipulator Voice Triggering for Hands-Free Machining Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulators for machining operations require operators to physically actuate foot pedals, which can divert attention from the primary task, are prone to unintentional movement, and lack flexibility in operation.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator system with a sound receiver that allows operators to trigger control commands through voice or body sounds, eliminating the need for physical foot pedal actuation, and featuring a wireless communication system for enhanced flexibility and safety features like self-diagnosis and redundant signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foot pedals are used for controlling manipulators, then control functionality is provided, but operator attention is diverted and unintentional movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot pedal control system with an acoustic control system using microphones and sound recognition. Operators issue voice commands instead of physically pressing foot pedals, eliminating the mechanical contact that causes unintentional movement and diverting attention. The sound receiver detects acoustic signals and converts them to control commands, maintaining control functionality while improving safety and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If foot pedals are positioned at predetermined locations, then control is possible, but operator flexibility and mobility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the position-dependent mechanical foot pedal with a wireless acoustic control system. The sound receiver and transmitter enable operators to issue control commands from any location within communication range, eliminating the constraint of predetermined foot pedal positions. This substitution provides both control accessibility and operator mobility, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voice recognition is implemented for control, then operator flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a voice recognition control system that replaces complex mechanical control interfaces. The sound receiver, signal processor, and control unit work together to recognize and execute voice commands. While this adds electronic components, it eliminates complex mechanical linkages and positioning mechanisms, providing control flexibility with manageable system complexity through electronic signal processing rather than mechanical complexity.
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 flexible and safe operation by allowing operators to control machining processes without physical contact, reducing the risk of accidents and improving ergonomic working conditions through wireless communication and adaptive signal recognition.
Implementation Method 1
the triggering device comprises a sound receiver for receiving control commands from an operator and is designed to provide a signal to the control device when a control command arrives
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The manipulator (1) has a controller (10) that controls a drive unit for performing handling movement and/or processing movement of handling and/or processing tools (3,4). A trigger unit (12) is connected with a controller for activation and/or deactivation of the drive device. The triggering unit is provided with a microphone (16) and a sensor device (17), for receiving control command signal from an operator (11) and for outputting control command signal to controller. An independent claim is included for method for operating manipulator.