Quick-Release Tool Plate for Hot-Swappable Robot End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots lack a versatile approach for dynamically swapping end effectors during operation without requiring changes to the robot's control program, limiting their ability to adapt to tasks that demand finer control or different end effector capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a tool plate with nonvolatile memory, a communication interface, and a processor, which allows for self-configuration and bidirectional communication with the robot controller, enabling dynamic loading of software drivers for newly attached end effectors, and a quick-release mechanism for easy interchange of end effectors and tool plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If end effectors are permanently mounted during system integration, then the robot can maintain stable control programming, but the robot cannot adapt to changing task requirements or swap end effectors during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector contains an onboard processor that automatically generates and transmits its own driver code to the robot controller upon attachment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual programming or complex configuration processes, allowing the end effector to integrate itself into the robot system automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver code is pre-stored in the end effector's onboard memory before attachment. This preliminary preparation allows the robot controller to immediately execute the correct driver without requiring real-time programming or configuration, enabling instant adaptation when end effectors are swapped.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot controller stores a library of drivers and loads them dynamically, then the robot can accommodate different end effectors, but the system requires complex communication protocols and identification mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface uses universal, standardized protocols that work across all end effector types. The onboard processor in each end effector can universally generate compatible driver code, eliminating the need for type-specific communication mechanisms and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard processor acts as an intermediary that translates the end effector's identity and capabilities into standardized driver code that the robot controller can immediately understand and execute. This intermediary layer simplifies communication by handling all protocol conversions and data formatting automatically.
3Ease of operation
If end effectors are changed at preprogrammed phases, then the robot can maintain operational stability, but the operator cannot dynamically adapt to unexpected task requirements during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic end effector replacement during operation without requiring task execution to pause or reset. The onboard processor ensures that driver code is immediately available upon attachment, allowing seamless transitions and maintaining continuous operational flow even as end effectors are changed in response to evolving task requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a tool plate configured to receive a robotic end effector is removably matable with a robot appendage via a quick-release mechanism.