Object-Shaped Master Control for Intuitive Remote Robot Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote control robot systems with master and slave arms provide poor handling feel for operators, making it difficult to intuitively manipulate objects using the slave arm.

Innovation Solution

A remote control robot system where the master device imitates the contour of the object to be handled, allowing the operator to manipulate the master device as if it were the object, causing the slave arm to mimic the behavior of the object, thereby enhancing intuitive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a master arm or end effector is used as the master device, then the slave arm can be controlled remotely, but the handling feel for the operator is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling feelVSAvoidmaster device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master main body is designed to imitate or copy the contour shape of the object to be handled by the slave arm. This allows the operator to manipulate the master device as if directly handling the actual object, providing intuitive tactile feedback and natural handling feel without complex mechanical master arms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If the master device imitates the contour of the object, then intuitive operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitive operationVSAvoidmaster device design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master main body copies only the essential external contour of the object rather than its full complexity, providing intuitive operation while maintaining design simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical linkages are replaced with electronic sensors and actuators that detect the position and orientation of the master main body and transmit control signals to the slave arm, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining control functionality

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the master main body imitates the shape of the object, then handling precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling precisionVSAvoidmaster device fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The contour of the object is copied to create the master main body shape, which can be achieved through modern manufacturing techniques like 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, balancing shape fidelity with manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing approach is changed from traditional precision machining to modern techniques such as molding or 3D printing, which can more easily replicate complex contours while simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3342541B1Remote control robot system
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3342541B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342541B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342541B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote control robot system includes a slave arm, a master main body imitating the shape of an object handled by the slave arm, a manipulation receiving device configured to receive manipulation of an operator based on the position and posture of the master main body, and a control device configured to control operation of the slave arm based on the manipulation received by the manipulation receiving device so that behavior of the object corresponds to behavior of the master main body.