Parallel Linear Manipulation Apparatus for Compact Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial manipulation apparatuses require high reliability, exact reproducibility, compactness, and robustness while also needing to be cost-effective and easy to maintain, with existing designs often being bulky and expensive due to the need for multiple linear movement axes and pivot drives.
Innovation Solution
A manipulation apparatus with two linear movement units aligned in parallel, connected via pivotal connections and guide arms, allowing for two-dimensional movements of a fastening element without requiring perpendicular linear movement axes or pivot drives, enabling efficient handling and processing of workpieces with reduced structural complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional industrial robot designs with multiple linear movement axes and pivot drives are used, then reliable and exact work routines can be carried out, but the apparatus becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional perpendicular movement axes to a parallel arrangement of two linear movement units. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the fastening element to achieve two-dimensional movements through parallel components rather than requiring multiple perpendicular axes, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation apparatus is divided into two separate linear movement units that operate in parallel, each responsible for independent linear movements. This segmentation allows each unit to be simpler and more reliable, while their coordinated operation through guide arms achieves the complex two-dimensional positioning needed for reliable work routines
2Reliability
If conventional industrial robot designs with multiple linear movement axes and pivot drives are used, then reliable and exact work routines can be carried out, but the apparatus becomes expensive in manufacture and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The two linear movement units are designed with identical or similar structures, allowing them to perform multiple functions through different coordination patterns. This universality reduces manufacturing costs by using standardized components and simplifies maintenance through interchangeable parts, while still achieving reliable two-dimensional positioning of the fastening element
3Device complexity
If parallel movement units are used to reduce structural complexity, then the apparatus becomes more compact and cost-effective, but achieving two-dimensional movements becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Guide arms serve as intermediary elements that translate the independent linear movements of the two parallel movement units into coordinated two-dimensional movements of the fastening element. These guide arms mediate between the simple linear inputs and the complex positioning outputs, enabling versatile movement capability while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of two parallel linear movement units through the guide arm mechanism to achieve two-dimensional positioning. By merging the movement capabilities of both units through their coordinated action on the fastening element, the system achieves versatile adaptability equivalent to conventional multi-axis systems but with reduced structural complexity
4Reliability
If robust design with sturdy components is used to handle large masses, then manipulation reliability improves, but the apparatus loses movement dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
By reconfiguring from perpendicular to parallel movement axes, the patent reduces the burden on individual components. Each linear movement unit handles only linear motion without the additional stresses of pivot drives, allowing lighter, more dynamic components that maintain reliability through their simplified, focused function
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulation device for manipulating and/or processing a workpiece includes a first motion unit for generating a linear motion of a first component and a second motion unit for generating a linear motion of a second component. The motion units are arranged relative to each other such that the motions that can be generated by the motion units are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second components are connected via first and second hinge joints, respectively, to a fastening element that is suitable for receiving a workpiece and/or a tool. The first and second hinge joints comprise first and second guide arms, respectively, which are coupled to the first and second components, respectively, via revolute joints. The first and second guide arms are coupled directly or indirectly to each other by at least one revolute joint so as to be pivotable relative to each other.