Modular Robot Arm Connection Interface for Torque and Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial robots and modular robot arms face challenges in quick and easy assembly, flexibility, and efficient transmission of forces, fluids, and data signals.
Innovation Solution
The arm module design features a first housing with a first connection side that includes a fluid contact device and a contact device for data transmission, and a second connection side that is torque-proof and includes a face gearing system, allowing for simultaneous fluid, power, and data exchange with other arm modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular robot components are connected using a ring section, then the robot arm can be assembled, but high forces act on the connection between components making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple independent elements: a connection plate with mounting holes, a separate fastening ring with internal thread, and an external thread on the connection plate. This segmentation allows the connection to be established in steps (aligning mounting holes, then screwing the fastening ring), distributing the assembly effort and reducing the peak force required at any single moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening ring acts as an intermediary element between the connection plate and the opposing component. Instead of directly connecting two rigid components with high interference forces, the threaded fastening ring mediates the connection, allowing gradual engagement and torque application, thereby reducing the peak assembly force.
2Ease of operation
If fluid and data lines are routed externally on the robot arm, then connection is simple, but the lines are vulnerable to external damage
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid lines and data cables are nested inside the hollow connection plate, which itself is nested within the housing structure. This nested arrangement protects vulnerable lines from external damage while maintaining simple connection - the entire connection plate assembly with embedded lines can be connected as a single unit, and the lines are automatically protected within the structural components.
3Productivity
If arm modules are designed for quick assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but torque transmission capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection plate is pre-designed with precisely positioned mounting holes and an external thread that aligns with the fastening ring. This preliminary preparation of the connection interface allows for rapid alignment and engagement, while the pre-engineered threaded connection ensures adequate torque transmission capability without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening ring provides a curved, toroidal structure that can be rotated and tightened progressively. This curved geometry allows for easy rotational engagement and progressive torque application, enabling both quick assembly initiation and sufficient torque transmission through the threaded connection mechanism.
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 design enables rapid and flexible assembly of modular robot arms, supports high torque transmission, and prevents external damage by internal routing of fluid and data lines, while also allowing for cost-effective mass production.
Implementation Method 1
a first face gearing is arranged on the first connection plate. The second connection plate has a second face gearing, the first face gearing and the second face gearing being embodied to be complementary and/or corresponding to one another
Implementation Method 2
an external thread is arranged circumferentially around the first mounting axis on a first outer circumferential side of the first connection plate, the second connection plate being embraced circumferentially by a fastening ring and the fastening ring having on an inner circumferential side an internal thread embodied to correspond to the external thread
Data Source
AI summary
An arm module, modular robot arm or industrial robot has a housing with first and second connection sides. The first connection side has a first connection plate, a first fluid contact device and a first contact device. The second connection side is mechanically connected to the housing in a torque-proof manner, and has a second connection plate. The first fluid contact device and first contact device are arranged on the first connection plate, parallel to a mounting axis. The first connection side is connectable to another arm module. An external thread is arranged about the first mounting axis, on an outer circumferential side of the first connection plate. The second connection plate is circumferentially embraced by a fastening ring with an internal thread corresponding to the external thread. The fastening ring is connected to the housing in an axially fixed manner, rotatable about a second mounting axis.