Modular Robot Arm Modules with Internal Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation systems for industrial robots face challenges in efficiently integrating and connecting modular robot arms, leading to increased complexity and costs due to external fluid, electrical, and data lines, which can result in damage and require additional control devices and power supplies.
Innovation Solution
The development of active and passive arm modules with integrated drive devices and connection systems that allow for torque-locking and torque-proof connections, enabling internal guidance of signals and power, reducing external connections and simplifying assembly, while also integrating control devices and sensors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external fluid, electrical, and data lines are used to connect modular robot arms, then the robot arm can be assembled from separate modules, but the system complexity increases and the risk of damage from external lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of fluid transport, electrical power transmission, and data communication into the structural housing of the robot arm modules. The housing itself serves as the transmission medium for these utilities, eliminating the need for separate external lines and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining modular assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where conduits for fluid, electrical, and data transmission are integrated within the housing of each module. The housing contains all necessary transmission pathways internally, creating a compact self-contained unit that reduces external connections and assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external fluid, electrical, and data lines are used to connect modular robot arms, then the robot arm can be assembled from separate modules, but additional control devices and power supplies are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control devices and power supplies directly into each modular unit. By integrating these components within the housing of each module, the system eliminates the need for separate external control devices and power supplies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining modular flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated power supply and control devices. The modules can operate independently with their own internal utilities, reducing dependency on external control systems and power sources, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external fluid, electrical, and data lines are used to connect modular robot arms, then the robot arm can be assembled from separate modules, but the risk of damage from external lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests all fluid, electrical, and data transmission pathways within the protective housing of each module. This internal integration eliminates exposed external lines that could be damaged, while the housing provides mechanical protection for all transmission media, thereby improving reliability without compromising modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging all transmission functions into the housing structure itself, the patent eliminates separate external lines that are vulnerable to damage. The housing serves as both the structural element and the protection for all utilities, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining the ability to assemble modules separately.
Data Source
AI summary
An active arm module for the robot arm of a modular industrial robot has a first housing, first and connection sides arranged at an offset, and a drive device. The first connection side is mounted rotatably relative to the first housing, and is connected to the drive device in a torque-locking manner. The second connection side is connected to the first housing in a torque-proof manner, the drive device being arranged in the first housing and configured to rotate the first connection side relative to the first housing. A further module can be connected to the first and/or second connection side, where the first connection side is optically, electrically, power-electrically and/or fluidically connected to the second connection side, and an optical signal, electrical signal, electrical power, and/or a fluid can be exchanged with the further module via the and/or second connection side.