Process Turning Disc Cable Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot arm systems face issues with cable wear due to friction, limiting their range of motion and requiring frequent replacements, especially when operating in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact, one-piece process turning disc with a curved inner wall and a funnel-like passage design that reduces cable friction and wear, integrated into the wrist of the robot arm, allowing cables to be guided internally, reducing the cross-sectional area and enabling the robot to operate in tighter spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are arranged externally along the robot arm, then the arm has a high range of free movement, but the cables are exposed to friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is routed through a passage that is nested within the process turning disc structure. The passage extends through the disc from one side to the other, allowing the cable to be protected internally while still enabling the disc to rotate freely. This nesting approach protects the cable from external friction and wear without restricting the rotational movement of the disc.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional process turning disc is used, then tool changes are straightforward, but the cable management creates friction and wear issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guiding function is merged into the process turning disc structure itself. The passage is integrated as part of the disc body, combining the rotational function with the cable protection function in a single component. This eliminates the need for separate cable guiding devices and ensures the cable is protected during all rotational movements and tool changes.
3Productivity
If the robot arm is designed for narrow space operation, then productivity increases, but cable wear increases due to limited movement space
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the cable within the process turning disc passage, the cable is protected from friction against the arm structure. This allows the robot arm to operate in narrow spaces with limited movement freedom without the cable being subjected to increased wear from tight turning radii and constrained motions.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for cable guidance, then cable protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guiding function is combined into the process turning disc itself, eliminating the need for separate cable guiding components. The passage is formed as part of the disc structure, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining cable protection. This simplification reduces assembly complexity and maintenance requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A process turning disc (1), connectable to an output shaft of a motor (21) by means of which the process turning disc (1) is rotatable about a first centre axis (13) of the process turning disc, and configured for guiding a cable (2) or hose, comprising a first flange (3; 33) connectable to an end part (4) of a robot arm (5) and a second flange (6; 36) connectable to a tool element (7). The flanges (3, 6; 33, 36) are spaced apart from each other by an intermediate connecting member (8; 38), the connecting member (8; 38) being connected to the flanges (3, 6; 33, 36), and the connecting member (8; 38) providing a passage (9; 39) between the flanges, which passage (9; 39) is configured for receiving and guiding the cable/hose (2) and said passage having an inlet side (11; 41) for the cable/hose and an outlet side (12; 42) for the cable/hose (2). The invention also defines a robot arm comprising such a process turning disc, a robot comprising such a robot arm and the use of such a process turning disc.