Modular Actuator Unit With Vertical Power Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots face challenges in maintaining control reliability and efficiency due to increased cable complexity and weight with traditional power transmission structures, particularly in articulated robots, which can lead to noise, energy inefficiency, and reduced maintainability.
Innovation Solution
The actuator unit employs a vertical power transmission structure with all elements arranged and coupled in series about a central input hollow shaft, integrating a motor, decelerator, encoder, and sensor unit, and connects multiple units in a daisy-chain fashion using only two cables for power and communication, enhancing control and reducing physical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional power transmission structures are used in articulated robots, then power can be transmitted to actuator units, but cable complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is segmented into modular actuator units, each with integrated power transmission components. This allows power to be transmitted through the robot structure itself rather than requiring separate cables to each component, reducing overall cable quantity and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested power transmission by integrating the power transmission structure within the robot's existing mechanical framework. The power transmission path is embedded within the robot body structure, eliminating the need for external cables and reducing system complexity
2Power
If traditional power transmission structures are used, then power can be delivered to actuator units, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable-based power transmission with a integrated structural power transmission system. This substitution eliminates the friction and vibration associated with cable movement, thereby reducing noise while maintaining effective power delivery to actuator units
3Power
If traditional power transmission structures are used, then actuator units can be powered, but maintainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into modular actuator units with integrated power transmission components. This segmentation allows individual units to be easily removed, inspected, and maintained without affecting the entire system, significantly improving maintainability while ensuring continuous power supply
4Volume of moving object
If vertically coupled elements are integrated through input hollow shaft, then actuator unit becomes compact, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves compactness by nesting the motor, decelerator, and encoder vertically within the input hollow shaft structure. This nested arrangement minimizes the actuator unit volume while using standardized components that can be manufactured separately and assembled, balancing compactness with manufacturing feasibility
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 results in a lightweight, compact, and reliable actuator unit that improves control reliability, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies maintenance while ensuring high-speed operation and efficient power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a motor that generates a rotational force for rotating an object
Implementation Method 2
a decelerator that is connected to the motor and that reduces a rotation speed according to a deceleration ratio
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator unit, a robot including the same, and a reducing apparatus, the actuator unit including a driving unit; a sensor unit; a control unit; and a frame unit.