Quick Disconnect Tooling Apparatus With Self-Aligning Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting and disconnecting end effector tooling from robots are inefficient, often requiring complex and costly systems, and can lead to misalignment and damage to power source couplings, which increases maintenance and reduces production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A quick disconnect tooling apparatus with a base module and a tool module, featuring a releasable latch and power source coupling that ensures secure and efficient connection and disconnection of end effector tools to a manipulator, while protecting power source couplings and allowing only one correct alignment position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded bolts are used to connect end effector tooling to the robot, then the connection is secure, but the attachment process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate halves: a first coupling half attached to the robot and a second coupling half attached to the end effector. These halves can be quickly connected and disconnected without threading bolts, enabling rapid tooling changes while maintaining secure connection through the latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system incorporates a movable latch that can be quickly engaged and disengaged to secure or release the connection between coupling halves. This dynamic element enables rapid attachment and detachment without the time-consuming process of threading and unthreading bolts.
2Productivity
If complicated quick disconnect systems are used to ensure quick connection, then the attachment speed increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate halves: a first coupling half attached to the robot and a second coupling half attached to the end effector. These halves can be quickly connected and disconnected without threading bolts, enabling rapid tooling changes while maintaining secure connection through the latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system includes alignment features such as guide pins and corresponding alignment holes that automatically guide the coupling halves into proper alignment during connection. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional alignment devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining quick connection capability.
3Ease of operation
If power source couplings are exposed during connection, then the connection is accessible, but the power source couplings become vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The power source coupling is integrated within the coupling device housing, merging the power transmission function with the mechanical connection structure. This integration protects the power source coupling from external damage while maintaining accessibility through the secure enclosure of the coupling halves.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source coupling components are nested within the coupling device housing structure. The first and second coupling halves enclose the power source coupling elements, providing protection while allowing functional access when the coupling is engaged or disengaged.
4Ease of operation
If workers manually align coupling halves, then the connection can be made, but misalignment occurs creating inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system includes alignment features such as guide pins and corresponding alignment holes that automatically guide the coupling halves into proper alignment during connection. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional alignment devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining quick connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device employs asymmetric alignment features including a guide pin on one coupling half and a corresponding slot or alignment hole on the other half. This asymmetric design ensures that the coupling halves can only be connected in the correct orientation, preventing misalignment and ensuring precise positioning automatically during the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick disconnect tooling apparatus for releasably latching an end effector tool to a manipulator. The present invention provides a base module connectable to a manipulator, and a tool module connectable to the end effector tool. A power source coupling has a first portion coupled to the base module, and a second portion coupled to the tool module, wherein the first and second portions of the power source coupling may cooperatively engage one another to allow for the passing of power between the manipulator and the end effector tool. A releasable latch is connected to the base module and is moveable between a latched position, wherein the latch cooperatively engages a latch pin connected to the tool module to secure the tool module to the base module and allow the first and second portions of the power source coupling to communicate with one another, and an unlatched position, wherein the releasable latch does not engage the latch pin thereby allowing the base module and the tool module to be disconnected and the first and second portions of the power source coupling to be disconnected.