Mobile Robot Arm Power Timing for Faster Workstation Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems face delays in starting work after movement due to the time required for robot arms to become operable after power supply is resumed, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a robot system that involves stopping power supply to servomotors during movement and restarting it strategically based on predetermined conditions, such as position or elapsed time, to reduce energy consumption and expedite operational readiness of the robot arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If electric power is continuously supplied to the electric motor during vehicle movement, then the robot arm can become operable quickly upon arrival, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control device starts supplying electric power to the electric motor before the vehicle arrives at the work station, during the movement phase. This preliminary action ensures that the robot arm has sufficient time to become operable upon arrival, while avoiding continuous power supply throughout the entire movement, thus optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply control is made dynamic by adjusting the timing of power supply start based on vehicle position and movement state. The system transitions from static continuous power supply to dynamic conditional power supply, starting power supply at optimal moments during movement to balance operational readiness and energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electric power is stopped during movement to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the robot arm cannot become operable upon arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The control device initiates power supply to the electric motor in advance during vehicle movement, ensuring that the robot arm completes its startup sequence before the vehicle arrives at the work station. This preliminary action maintains operational reliability while enabling energy savings by stopping power supply during the movement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors vehicle position, movement state, and robot arm operational status to dynamically adjust power supply timing. This feedback mechanism ensures that power supply is restarted at the optimal moment during movement to guarantee operational readiness upon arrival, maintaining system reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply is restarted during movement, then energy consumption is reduced, but there is a delay in work start at the work station
Solution Approach 1:
The control device restarts power supply to the electric motor during vehicle movement at calculated optimal timing, allowing the robot arm to become operable before or at the moment of arrival at the work station. This eliminates work start delays while maintaining energy savings during the movement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power supply timing based on real-time vehicle position and movement characteristics, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and work start timing. This dynamic control ensures minimal delay in work commencement while achieving energy efficiency goals.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot system includes a robot arm driven by an electric motor and a vehicle that is movable and supports the robot arm. A control method includes (a) moving the vehicle to a work station of a first type and (b) driving the robot arm in the work station of the first type. The (a) executes a first operation mode for, in a part of the movement to the work station of the first type, moving the vehicle in a state in which electric power is not supplied to the electric motor, starting supply of the electric power to the electric motor during the movement of the vehicle in the state in which the electric power is not supplied to the electric motor, and arranging the vehicle in the work station of the first type in a state in which the electric power is supplied to the electric motor.