Pendulum Stopper Reduces Particulate Generation in Industrial Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots used in clean rooms face challenges in minimizing particulate generation during operation, which is exacerbated by increased operation speed and optimized sequences aimed at shorter workpiece carrying times, leading to inefficiencies and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pendulum stopper with abrasion-resistant materials on a base that allows the pedestal to turn ±180.5 degrees, coupled with an up-down moving mechanism and a hand that rectilinearly moves to reduce particulate generation by minimizing contact areas and optimizing the turn angle, enabling efficient workpiece handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operation speed of the industrial robot is increased to shorten workpiece carrying time, then productivity is improved, but particulate generation increases due to enhanced friction and contact during high-speed operations
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is extracted from the pedestal and repositioned on the base, separating the stopping function from the rotating component. This extraction eliminates friction between the stopper and pedestal during rotation, thereby reducing particulate generation while maintaining the ability to limit rotation angle for efficient workpiece handling
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary mechanism to connect the pedestal to the base. It enables the pedestal to rotate and be stopped at predetermined angles without direct contact between the stopper and pedestal, reducing friction-induced particulate generation during high-speed operations
2Productivity
If the pedestal turn angle is limited to ±180.5 degrees to optimize work sequence, then productivity is improved, but the robot loses adaptability for broader positioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the predetermined turn angle limit to be modified based on different work requirements. This enables the system to switch between restricted mode (±180.5 degrees) for optimized cycle time and extended mode for broader positioning adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The turn angle parameter is made changeable through the adjustable stopper mechanism. By modifying the stopper position or configuration, the pedestal's rotation limit can be altered to match different workpiece handling requirements, balancing productivity and adaptability
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
This configuration reduces particulate generation, allows for precise control of the pedestal's turn angle, and shortens the cycle time by two seconds, making it suitable for high-productivity use in clean room environments while maintaining low contamination levels.
Implementation Method 1
a pendulum stopper provided on a base on which the pedestal turns
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial robot includes a hand on which a workpiece is placed, an arm that takes out the hand from a predetermined position of the workpiece and supplies the hand, an up-down moving mechanism connected to the arm by a support member, a pedestal provided at a lower portion of the up-down moving mechanism, and a pendulum stopper provided on a base on which the pedestal turns.