Modular Line Distribution Board for Industrial Robots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current industrial robot line distribution systems require the replacement of entire boards when changes are needed, leading to increased time and cost due to unnecessary detachment and reattachment of cables, and the high cost of versatile cables for various applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular line distribution board composed of separable elements, allowing only the necessary lines to be replaced and detached, with a holding mechanism for power and signal lines connected to a servo motor, reducing the need for additional holding members and enabling easier maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single line distribution board is used to attach all lines, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the replacement time and cost increase when lines need to be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidline replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The line distribution board is divided into multiple detachable elements that can be selectively replaced. Each element can be independently removed and reattached, allowing only the necessary portions to be replaced during line changes, thereby reducing replacement time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If connectors are attached to each line beforehand to enable selective replacement, then the line replacement process is facilitated, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline replacement easeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector functionality is merged into the line distribution board elements themselves rather than being separate components attached to each line. This integration reduces the total number of connectors needed and simplifies the overall structure, maintaining ease of replacement while reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If versatile lines are provided to support various applications, then the adaptability increases, but the cost of lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication versatilityVSAvoidline cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The line distribution board elements are designed with universal attachment interfaces and standardized configurations that can accommodate different line types and applications. This multi-functionality allows the same board elements to be used across various applications, reducing the need for specialized expensive lines while maintaining versatility.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9586326B2Robot having a line distribution board
Publication Date: 2017.03.07 FANUC LTD
  • US9586326B2 patent drawing
  • US9586326B2 patent drawing
  • US9586326B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A robot includes a plurality of lines respectively having connecting portions, which are connected to an outer apparatus, at end portions, and at least one line distribution board to which the connecting portions of the plurality of lines are attached. The line distribution board includes a plurality of line distribution board elements, which can be separated from each other, and to which the connecting portion of at least one of the plurality of lines is attached.