Modular Robotic Arm With Detachable Docking Modules

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-axis robotic arms are limited in versatility due to their non-disassemblable arm modules, restricting their use to specific situations, as they cannot be easily modified or replaced to accommodate different usage requirements.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axis robotic arm design featuring a pedestal, knuckle modules, and detachable arm modules connected via first and second connecting elements with docking portions and fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly to adapt to various situations by swapping arm modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the arm module is made fixed and non-disassemblable, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm is divided into multiple independent modules: base module, arm modules (first arm module, second arm module), and end effector module. Each module can be independently assembled, disassembled, and replaced through docking portions, enabling structural reconfiguration while maintaining stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking portions are designed with universal compatibility across different modules. The same docking interface structure is used throughout the robotic arm, allowing any arm module to be interchangeably connected to any knuckle module, providing multi-functionality and adaptability for different working scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the arm module is made detachable with docking portions and fasteners, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm is divided into multiple independent modules: base module, arm modules (first arm module, second arm module), and end effector module. Each module can be independently assembled, disassembled, and replaced through docking portions, enabling structural reconfiguration while maintaining stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking portion integrates multiple functions into a single structural element: it provides both the mechanical connection interface and the mounting structure for fasteners. The first docking portion and second docking portion are merged designs that simultaneously enable module attachment and structural alignment, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional arm modules are used without replacement capability, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm is divided into multiple independent modules: base module, arm modules (first arm module, second arm module), and end effector module. Each module can be independently assembled, disassembled, and replaced through docking portions, enabling structural reconfiguration while maintaining stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking portions are designed with universal compatibility across different modules. The same docking interface structure is used throughout the robotic arm, allowing any arm module to be interchangeably connected to any knuckle module, providing multi-functionality and adaptability for different working scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11198225B2Multi-axis robotic arm

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 CHENG UEI PRECISION IND CO LTD

AI summary

A multi-axis robotic arm includes a pedestal, a plurality of knuckle module and at least one detachable arm module. One of the plurality of the knuckle modules is connected with the pedestal. Two knuckle modules are connected to a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element has a first docking portion, and the second connecting element has a second docking portion. The first docking portion and the second docking portion are detachably docked with each other by a plurality of fasteners. The at least one arm module have a third docking portion and a fourth docking portion. The third docking portion is detachably docked with the first docking portion by the plurality of the fasteners. The fourth docking portion is detachably docked with the second docking portion by the plurality of the fasteners.