Optical Rotation Transfer Device for Industrial Robot Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial robots face challenges in transmitting high-speed data through rotating arm members due to the complexity and cost of conventional optical rotation transmitters, which require significant space and are not cost-effective for compact robot arm designs.

Innovation Solution

A modular industrial robot arm with a compact optical rotation transfer device featuring an optomechanical rotation interface using radial plain bearings and cylindrical hollow systems, allowing for rotatable optical devices with a gap for signal transmission, reducing the need for additional optical components and minimizing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional optical rotation transmitters are used, then reliable optical signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical signal transmissionVSAvoidrotation transmitter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of optical signal transmission through a rotation interface by removing unnecessary components from conventional rotation transmitters. Only the critical elements (optical waveguides, radial plain bearing, and air gap) are retained, eliminating complex alignment mechanisms and additional optical components while maintaining transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a purely optical solution. Optical waveguides transmit signals through an air gap without requiring mechanical adjustment or complex coupling mechanisms, substituting mechanical precision requirements with optical path stability provided by the rigid radial plain bearing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional optical rotation transmitters are used, then optical signal transmission is enabled, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical signal transmissionVSAvoidrotation transmitter space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical waveguides are nested within the compact radial plain bearing structure, with the bearing itself integrated into the rotation interface housing. The air gap is minimized to the smallest functional distance, allowing the entire rotation transmitter to fit within a compact cylindrical volume suitable for robot arm joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional optical rotation transmitters are used, then rotational movement is supported, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational movementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs standard, commercially available radial plain bearings instead of custom-designed precision rotary mechanisms. The optical waveguides are simple cylindrical components that can be manufactured using standard optical fabrication processes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The radial plain bearing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the rotation interface, supports the optical waveguides, maintains the air gap distance, and enables full rotational movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient, high-speed optical signal transmission with low space requirements and cost-effectiveness, supporting scalable data rates up to 100 Gbit/s while maintaining robustness for industrial environments.

Implementation Method 1

an optical waveguide is connected to the first optical device and to a transmitter, and a second optical waveguide is connected to the second optical device and to a receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical waveguide transmission: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

mounted mechanically relative to one another with a radial plain bearing and a plain bearing shell complementary thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial plain bearing: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12109694B2Industrial robot

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 BECKHOFF AUTOMATION GMBH

AI summary

An industrial robot comprises a modular robot arm having a plurality of arm modules, where a rotation transfer device for optical signal transmission is provided in an arm module or between a first and a second arm module. The rotation transfer device comprises an optomechanical rotation interface having a first interface side and a second interface side, which face each other and are substantially rotationally symmetrical and complementary. The first and second interface sides are configured to rotate relative to each other. The first and second interface sides are mechanically mounted with respect to each other, with a radial plain bearing on one interface side and a slide bearing shell complementary thereto on the other interface side. A gap is formed between the first and second interface sides, in the axial direction of the rotation transfer device, across which the optical signal transmission takes place.