Parallel Axis Electric Tool Changer Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric tool changers with orthogonal axes face challenges in compact design due to lateral protrusion of the electric motor, limiting their use in tight spaces, such as molds, where minimal side dimensions are required without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
An electric tool changer design with a parallel rotation axis of the drive shaft to the coupling direction, utilizing a motor positioned abreast of the locking mechanism, and a system of radially movable balls with an annular control element that rotates to lock and unlock the tool-side portion, allowing for compact dimensions while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric motor is positioned with orthogonal axes to the coupling direction, then the locking mechanism can be effectively implemented, but the tool changer protrudes laterally and increases side dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the electric motor from a lateral arrangement (orthogonal to coupling direction) to a longitudinal arrangement (parallel to coupling direction). This dimensional change in motor orientation allows the motor to be positioned abreast of the locking mechanism, reducing lateral protrusion while maintaining locking effectiveness through the parallel axis configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If the electric motor is positioned parallel to the coupling direction, then side dimensions are minimized, but the motor must be positioned abreast of the locking mechanism which may complicate the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor positioning with the locking mechanism by placing the motor abreast of the locking mechanism rather than separately. The motor shaft is directly coupled to the locking mechanism through a parallel axis arrangement, integrating these components into a compact unit that minimizes side dimensions while avoiding excessive complexity through direct coupling.
3Area of stationary object
If the balls are made radially movable in the robot-side portion, then compact locking is achieved, but the mechanism requires precise control for reliable engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ball movement mechanisms with an electric motor-driven system. The motor, positioned parallel to the coupling direction, controls the radial movement of balls through electromagnetic actuation rather than complex mechanical linkages. This substitution maintains compact dimensions while improving reliability through precise electronic control of ball engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool changer is described, the tool changer includes a robot-side portion having a longitudinal axis and fixable to a manipulator, and a tool-side portion fixable to a tool and abuts against the robot- side portion along the longitudinal axis. The tool changer also includes a lock to lock the tool-side portion on the robot-side portion, and an actuator of the lock. The lock is selectively movable by the actuator between a locked position, where it engages the tool-side portion that abuts against the robot-side portion, thereby preventing the separation of the two portions of the tool changer, and an unlocked position, where it does not engage the tool-side portion, which can therefore be separated from the robot- side portion. The actuator of the lock is an electric motor whose drive shaft rotates on a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.