Partitioned Wire Routing Structure for Rotating Hollow Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiring systems for robots face challenges in maintaining the integrity of wire passages without excessively narrowing the internal space or causing abnormal wear due to friction between different types of wire bodies, especially when the inner pipe member is rigidly fixed to an outer pipe member, which can lead to deformation and displacement.

Innovation Solution

A flexible sheet-like wire-body wiring member is used to partition the internal space of a hollow member into multiple small spaces, using a low-friction material like polytetrafluoroethylene resin, with a first portion forming a cylindrical shape around the wire bodies and a second portion fixed externally to prevent narrowing and friction, allowing different types of wire bodies to move freely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid inner pipe member is fixed to an outer pipe member to maintain structural integrity, then the wiring passage is protected, but the internal space is excessively narrowed and deformation/displacement occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of wiring passageVSAvoidinternal space of hollow member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid inner pipe member with a flexible sheet-like member that can be formed into a cylindrical shape. This flexible member maintains the wiring passage structure while occupying less space and allowing the hollow member to rotate without deformation. The flexibility enables the member to adapt to rotational movements while protecting the wire bodies from friction and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Volume of moving object

If wire bodies are arranged in a single large space, then the internal space utilization is maximized, but friction between different wire bodies causes abnormal wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal space utilizationVSAvoidfriction-induced wear between wire bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent partitions the internal space of the hollow member into multiple separate small spaces using the flexible sheet-like member. Each wire body or group of wire bodies is assigned to a separate small space, preventing direct contact and friction between different wire bodies. This segmentation reduces wear while still efficiently utilizing the internal space of the hollow member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the hollow member rotates freely, then the robot achieves smooth movement, but wire bodies experience friction and abnormal wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational movement of robotVSAvoidfriction and wear of wire bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the internal space into separate small spaces, the patent prevents wire bodies from rubbing against each other during rotation, eliminating the harmful friction that would occur in a single large space configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible sheet-like member allows the hollow member to rotate smoothly while maintaining the partitioned structure. The flexibility accommodates rotational movement without restricting the robot's motion, yet keeps wire bodies separated to prevent wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution effectively prevents excessive narrowing of the internal space and reduces friction between wire bodies, enabling smooth movement and reducing wear, particularly suitable for small robots and wrist units with limited internal space.

Implementation Method 1

the first portion is arranged in the hollow portion so as to partition a space in the hollow portion into two small spaces or more in a direction crossing the axis line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical partitioning:

Implementation Method 2

using a low-friction material like polytetrafluoroethylene resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow-friction material property: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20260001242A1Member for wiring wire-body, structure for wiring wire-body, and method of wiring work for wire-body

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A member for wiring wire-body, which is used for wiring a plurality of wire bodies penetrating a hollow portion arranged between a first member and a second member which relatively rotate about a predetermined axis line, the hollow portion is arranged along the axis line, and one sides of the wire-bodies are held by the first member and the other sides are held by the second member. The member for wiring wire-body includes a sheet-like first portion, and a second portion which fixes the first portion to the first member or the second member, wherein the first portion is arranged in the hollow portion to partition a space in the hollow portion into two small spaces or more in a direction crossing the axis line, and wherein each of the partitioned small spaces is configured to allow the one or more of the wire-bodies to pass therethrough.