Multiplex Switching for Robot Position Signal Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In factory automation, robots with miniaturized movable sections face challenges in connecting adjustment computers to linear scales due to reduced space, making direct connections difficult for adjusting sensing sensitivities and amplification factors.
Innovation Solution
A multiplex device system that enables multiplex communication for transmitting position signals, including a multiplex connecting section, amplifier connecting section, measuring device connecting section, and a switching section to manage connections between these components, allowing for adjustment processing even when direct connections are difficult.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the movable section is miniaturized to reduce cable duct size and improve robot compactness, then the cable duct volume and robot size are reduced, but the ease of connecting adjustment computer to linear scale deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between the adjustment computer and the linear scale. This connector serves as a mediation device that enables data transmission without requiring direct access to the linear scale's internal interfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and ease of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the linear scale, the connector, and the adjustment computer. This segmentation allows the connector to be independently optimized for ease of connection while the linear scale can be miniaturized for compact robot design, thereby resolving the contradiction between size reduction and operational ease.
2Quantity of substance
If multiplex communication is implemented to transmit position signals, then the number of communication cables is reduced and wiring is simplified, but the device complexity increases due to the need for switching sections and multiple connecting sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication functions into a single multiplex communication line. Instead of having separate dedicated cables for each device (linear scale, amplifier, measuring device), all communications are combined into one shared medium, reducing the total number of cables while managing complexity through systematic switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplex communication line serves multiple functions: it transmits position signals from the linear scale, carries control signals to the amplifier, and enables data exchange with the measuring device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cables for each communication path, thereby reducing overall wiring complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiplex device capable of adjustment of a position signal output section, a robot, and a method for switching connection of the multiplex device. The multiplex device includes: a multiplex connecting section connected to a movable side multiplex device, the multiplex connecting section being configured to transmit a position signal outputted from a position signal output section connected to the movable side multiplex device by multiplexing communication with the movable side multiplex device; an amplifier connecting section connected to a position signal output section amplifier, the amplifier being configured to transmit the position signal to the position signal output section amplifier; a measuring device connecting section connected to a position signal measuring device; and a switching section configured to switch from a connection between the multiplex connecting section and the position signal output section amplifier, and a connection between the multiplex connecting section and the position signal measuring device in accordance with detection of a connection between the measuring device connecting section and the position signal measuring device.