Mobile Terminal Adapter Case for Stable Robot Teaching Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot teaching apparatuses face instability and failure issues due to the reduced number of parts and weight in safety switch units when coupled with commercially available mobile terminals, which have various shapes, leading to issues like the mobile terminal falling off or being accidentally dropped.

Innovation Solution

A robot teaching apparatus with a safety switch unit featuring adjustable claws and an adapter case that fits the shape of the mobile terminal, providing inner and outer fitting portions to securely attach and protect the terminal, preventing it from falling off and ensuring stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the safety switch unit uses fewer parts and reduced weight for portability, then portability is improved, but coupling stability deteriorates causing the mobile terminal to fall off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of safety switch unitVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into multiple functional components: a claw portion for gripping, an elastic member for providing clamping force, and a protrusion-recess mechanism for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall coupling stability despite reduced total part count

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the claw portion and the mobile terminal, providing continuous clamping force to maintain coupling stability. The spring mechanism compensates for manufacturing tolerances and wear, ensuring reliable connection without requiring excessive clamping force from additional heavy components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the safety switch unit directly attaches to the mobile terminal to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to aging and failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidcoupling reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter case serves as an intermediary component between the safety switch unit and the mobile terminal. It provides a standardized interface with claw portions that reliably grip the terminal's outer frame, isolating the safety switch unit from direct contact with varying terminal shapes and reducing wear and failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member's clamping force parameter is optimized to provide sufficient holding strength while accommodating variations in terminal dimensions. The spring constant and initial compression are designed to maintain reliable coupling over time despite aging effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the safety switch unit is designed to support various mobile terminal shapes, then adaptability is improved, but coupling stability deteriorates due to shape variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with mobile terminalsVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter case is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate various mobile terminal shapes and sizes. The claw portions can adapt to different frame geometries while maintaining consistent coupling characteristics, allowing one safety switch unit design to work with multiple terminal models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member provides dynamic adaptation to different terminal shapes through variable clamping force distribution. The spring mechanism automatically adjusts to accommodate dimensional variations while maintaining sufficient grip strength for stable coupling across different device geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the coupling structure is simplified to enhance portability, then ease of operation is improved, but the mobile terminal may be accidentally dropped when coupling is released

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidrisk of accidental drop
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is pre-compressed to store potential energy that automatically engages the claw portions with the terminal frame upon coupling. This preliminary energy storage ensures positive engagement and prevents accidental disengagement during normal handling operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber member provides cushioning between the claw portions and the terminal frame, absorbing impact forces during coupling and decoupling operations. This cushioning effect prevents sudden releases that could cause accidental drops while maintaining secure coupling during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11105463B2Robot teaching apparatus using mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2021.08.31 FANUC LTD
  • US11105463B2 patent drawing
  • US11105463B2 patent drawing
  • US11105463B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A robot teaching apparatus includes a safety switch unit including a claw adjustable in width and an adapter case corresponding to a shape of a mobile terminal and attached to the mobile terminal. An inner fitting portion that fits into an outer frame of the mobile terminal is disposed on at least a portion of an inside of the adapter case, and an outer fitting portion that fits with the claw of the safety switch unit is disposed on at least a portion of an outside of the adapter case.