Parallel Link Robot Motor-State Detection of Collisions and Dislocations

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Solution Overview

Problem

In parallel link robots, determining the occurrence of collisions and dislocations based on motor state information is challenging due to the complex relationship between multiple motors applying different torques, making it difficult to accurately detect operational abnormalities such as collisions and dislocations.

Innovation Solution

A robot control apparatus and method that includes a drive control unit to manage multiple motors driving link mechanisms and an abnormality determination unit using state data like motor torque, position, and speed to accurately detect collisions and dislocations, with distinct handling strategies for XY-axis and Z-axis collisions, and stopping motor control for dislocations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors cooperatively control the closed link mechanism in a parallel link robot, then the robot can achieve complex motion and positioning, but the relationship of state information between the motors becomes complicated and it becomes difficult to determine operational abnormalities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion capabilityVSAvoidabnormality detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the abnormality detection task by analyzing state information from each motor separately and then synthesizing the results. The control device extracts state information (torque, speed, position) from each of the multiple motors independently, evaluates abnormalities for each motor individually, and then determines overall system abnormalities based on the combination of individual motor evaluations. This segmentation approach simplifies the complex multi-motor state analysis into manageable individual assessments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the control device monitors state information from all motors to accurately detect collisions and dislocations, then detection accuracy improves, but the arithmetic processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detection accuracyVSAvoidarithmetic processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial monitoring by focusing detection efforts on critical state parameters that most directly indicate abnormalities. Rather than continuously analyzing all possible motor state variables in detail, the control device selectively monitors key parameters such as torque deviations, speed anomalies, and position errors. This partial action approach maintains high detection accuracy for critical abnormalities while reducing the overall arithmetic processing load compared to exhaustive monitoring of all state information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If the robot continues operation after detecting an abnormality, then productivity is maintained, but the abnormality may worsen causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation continuityVSAvoidsystem safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protective action by detecting abnormalities early through continuous monitoring of motor state information and immediately responding before the abnormality can escalate. When the control device detects deviations in torque, speed, or position that indicate potential collisions or dislocations, it triggers protective measures such as stopping the affected motor or adjusting control parameters to prevent further damage. This preliminary action ensures system safety while minimizing interruption to overall productivity by addressing issues before they require complete system shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3881980A1Robot control apparatus, robot control system, and robot control method
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP3881980A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3881980A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3881980A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A robot control apparatus (3) includes a drive control unit (31) configured to control a plurality of motors which are configured to drive a plurality of link mechanisms (43a, 43b, 43c) of a parallel link robot (4), respectively, and abnormality determination unit (32) configured to determine based on state data of the plurality of motors whether at least one of collision of the parallel link robot (4) and dislocation in the link mechanisms (43a, 43b, 43c) occurs.