Modular Robot Handheld Controller with Plug-in Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot control systems lack flexibility and intuitiveness, particularly in programming, due to rigid mechanical connections and limited compatibility with various devices, which hinders efficient and user-friendly operation.

Innovation Solution

A robot handheld device with a handle-like grip and a basic safety control unit that allows manual, tool-free mechanical coupling to different devices via plug-in connections, enabling secure communication and operation, even when detached, and supporting various ergonomic configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If robot control systems use rigid mechanical connections, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility and adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into separate modular components: a handheld control unit with safety control device and separate device units. These segments can be independently configured and connected through plug-in connection means, allowing structural stability within each module while providing flexibility through reconfigurable connections between modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from rigid fixed connections to dynamic reconfigurable connections. The plug-in connection means enables the control system to adapt its configuration dynamically, allowing users to connect or disconnect device units as needed while maintaining stable operation during each configured state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If robot control systems use fixed mechanical connections, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and reconfigurability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of reconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex tool-based mechanical connections with simplified plug-in connection means. This substitution maintains reliable electrical and mechanical connections while dramatically improving ease of operation, allowing users to connect and disconnect device units without tools or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If robot control systems use specialized dedicated devices, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld control unit with safety control device serves as a universal platform that can control multiple different device units. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and cost while maintaining functional reliability, as users do not need separate specialized control devices for each device unit.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If robot control systems use detachable connections, then adaptability is improved, but connection stability and signal reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in connection means merges mechanical connection functions with electrical connection functions into a single integrated interface. This combination ensures that when device units are connected, both mechanical stability and electrical signal reliability are achieved simultaneously, eliminating the trade-off between detachability and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3081347B1Manual robot control apparatus, device and system using same for electronic communication
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 KUKA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3081347B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3081347B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3081347B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a robot control handheld device (15) comprising a housing (16) having a handle-like grip section (16a), a safety control device (17) arranged in the housing (16), and at least one holder (25) connected to the housing (16), which is designed for manually releasable mechanical coupling of the housing (16) to a device (26) other than the robot control handheld device (15) and which communicates electronically with the safety control device (17), wherein the holder (25) has a plug connector (35) designed for manual connection to a mating plug connector (36) of the device (26). The invention also relates to associated devices (26) and a system comprising such a robot control handheld device (15) and at least two such devices (26).