Open Frame Robot Support Structure for Hygienic Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support frames for robots in hygienic applications face challenges in meeting stringent hygiene requirements while maintaining mechanical stability, especially under high acceleration forces and weight loads, and are difficult to clean and inspect due to their closed design.
Innovation Solution
A support frame with an open frame profile, featuring two spaced side elements connected by webs or bars, providing a double support function and increased mechanical stability without a closed profile, allowing easy accessibility for cleaning and inspection, and incorporating inclined surfaces and truss-like braces for enhanced stability and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a closed profiled tube design is used for the support frame, then mechanical stability and strength are improved, but hygiene requirements cannot be met due to cavities where contaminants collect and difficulty in cleaning and inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The closed profiled tube is segmented into an open frame structure consisting of side elements, connecting webs, and connecting bars. This segmentation eliminates enclosed cavities while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed framework, allowing cleaning access to all surfaces and preventing contaminant accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed interior space of the closed profiled tube is extracted/removed to create an open frame structure. By taking out the closed profile and replacing it with open connecting elements, the patent eliminates the cavity problem while preserving the load-bearing function through the distributed open framework.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a closed profiled tube design is used for the support frame, then mechanical stability is improved, but cleaning and inspection accessibility deteriorates due to enclosed cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The closed profile is segmented into discrete open elements (side elements, connecting webs, connecting bars) that create an accessible framework. This segmentation allows cleaning personnel and inspectors to access all surfaces from the outside, eliminating the need to open or disassemble enclosed sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed interior that hinders accessibility is extracted, leaving only the essential load-bearing framework. This extraction transforms the structure from a closed box that blocks access to an open framework that permits complete visual and physical access for maintenance activities.
3Strength
If connecting webs and connecting bars are added to provide mechanical stability, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting webs and connecting bars are merged with the side elements to form an integrated open frame structure. Rather than adding separate complex components, the design combines all elements into a unified framework where each component serves both structural and spatial functions, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting webs and connecting bars perform multiple functions: they provide structural strength, define the open framework geometry, enable cleaning accessibility, and allow inspection visibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support frame for a robot, in particular for use in applications for which hygiene is critical, for example in the handling of foods, medical equipment products, or pharmaceuticals, and/or packaging for same. According to the invention, the support frame is characterized in that it has an essentially open design which is closed, at the most, only in places.