Plastic Robotic Arm Structure Without Work Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic arms made of plastic material face challenges in structural strength and sealing performance due to the presence of work openings, which also increase manufacturing costs and compromise hygiene requirements in critical applications.

Innovation Solution

A robotic arm design featuring tubular bodies made of plastic material with integrated metal connecting portions and annular flange structures, allowing for secure screw connections without the need for work openings, thereby enhancing structural strength and sealing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If work openings are provided in the plastic arm body for assembly and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and maintenanceVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The arm body is divided into multiple modular sections (first arm body, second arm body, third arm body) that can be assembled together. Each section has its own actuator and can be independently manufactured and tested, then connected through connection portions without requiring work openings in the main tubular body structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If work openings are provided in the plastic arm body, then ease of maintenance is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The arm body is segmented into modular sections that can be detached and replaced independently. The connection portions provide standardized interfaces for assembly and disassembly without compromising the sealing integrity of the main tubular chambers, as connections are made at designated interface regions rather than through the sealed tubular walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If work openings are provided in the plastic arm body, then manufacturing is simplified, but hygiene requirements are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidhygiene compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arm body is manufactured as separate modular sections using injection molding, then assembled through connection portions. This allows each section to be manufactured independently with seamless sealed surfaces, and assembly occurs through dedicated interface regions. The resulting structure maintains continuous sealed surfaces on the tubular bodies, meeting hygiene requirements for applications like food processing while keeping manufacturing simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If metal connecting portions are integrated with plastic tubular bodies, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portions are made of metal material integrated with the plastic tubular body, creating a composite structure that combines the strength and rigidity of metal with the lightweight and cost-effective properties of plastic. The metal connection portions provide robust mounting surfaces for actuators and other components, while the plastic tubular sections maintain the benefits of injection molding manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20260077478A1Robotic arm
Publication Date: 2026.03.19 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • US20260077478A1 patent drawing
  • US20260077478A1 patent drawing
  • US20260077478A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An arm body for a robotic arm includes a first tubular body made of plastic material, including a first tubular portion including a first axial opening and a second tubular portion the first tubular body being substantially closed except the first axial opening and the second axial opening. A first connecting portion is provided at the first tubular portion and includes a first mounting surface configured to be connected to a first component constituting a robot; and a second connecting portion provided at the second tubular portion and including a second mounting surface configured to be connected a second component constituting the robot.