Modular End Effector Platform for Flexible Robot Tooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems face limitations in efficiently connecting and managing a variety of end effectors, as they often require complex and inflexible configurations that hinder versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A modular platform that allows for the connection, power transmission, and signal communication with multiple end effectors, featuring fluid, electrical, and communication ports, along with mount connectors for easy attachment to a robot arm, enabling versatile and flexible configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic system uses a fixed, non-modular platform for end effector connection, then the system structure is simple, but the versatility and adaptability to different end effectors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into modular components including a base portion, a movable portion, and interchangeable interface modules. Each module can be independently configured or replaced to accommodate different end effector types, enabling versatility without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates a universal interface design with standardized mounting mechanisms that can accommodate multiple types of end effectors. The movable portion can be repositioned to different locations on the base, and various adapter modules can be attached to create a single platform that performs multiple functions with different end effectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic system uses a complex configuration to manage various end effectors, then more end effector types can be supported, but the ease of operation and reconfiguration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates a movable portion that can be dynamically repositioned between different locations on the base portion. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different end effector configurations without requiring complex manual reassembly, making reconfiguration easier while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform design allows smaller functional modules to be nested within or attached to the main platform structure. Interface modules, mounting adapters, and connection components are designed to nest together in a hierarchical manner, simplifying the overall configuration process and making it easier to operate while supporting multiple end effector types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic system uses a modular platform with multiple ports and connectors, then the adaptability to different end effectors improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs standardized universal ports and connectors that can serve multiple functions depending on the attached end effector. Rather than having dedicated ports for each end effector type, the same physical interface can accommodate different connectors through adapters, reducing the number of unique components needed while maintaining interface versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the platform are designed with specific local characteristics optimized for their function. The base portion has mounting structures, the movable portion has positioning mechanisms, and interface modules have specialized connectors. This localized optimization allows each component to be simple in its specific function while the overall system achieves high versatility through their combination.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system includes a robot system with a robot having a modular platform and a controller operably coupled to the robot. The modular platform includes a plurality of mount connectors and a plurality of receiving port connectors. Each of the mount connectors is configured to attach to the robot and each of the receiving ports is configured to connect to an end effector such as a gripper, sensor or other tool. The modular platform is configured to mount to the robot in a plurality of orientations and to connect with a plurality of different end effectors.