Resin Robot End Effector With Integrated Sensing Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end effectors for robot arms are heavy, prone to rust, and require multiple parts for additional functions like sensing, which complicates their design and increases weight, while lacking versatility in functionality.
Innovation Solution
An end effector with a resin-based body part that integrates circuitry, including patterns for sensing and pressure detection, formed through laser direct structuring, allowing for multiple functions such as contact detection, height sensing, pressure measurement, and magnetic field generation, without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If end effectors are made of metal to ensure strength and durability, then strength is improved, but weight increases and corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to resin, specifically using engineering plastics and super engineering plastics that provide sufficient strength while dramatically reducing weight. The resin material maintains the necessary mechanical properties for end effector operation while eliminating the weight and corrosion issues associated with metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating circuitry directly into the resin body part, creating a composite structure that combines the lightweight properties of resin with functional electronic components. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate metal structural elements while maintaining overall strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors and circuit substrates are added to end effectors to enable sensing functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit substrate and sensor elements directly into the resin body part through integral formation. The circuitry is embedded within or on the surface of the resin, eliminating the need for separate substrate components and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin body part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural body, integrates the circuitry for electrical connections, and incorporates sensor elements for detection. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while enabling various sensing functions including contact detection and pressure measurement.
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
The integrated circuitry enables a simpler, lighter, and more versatile end effector configuration with enhanced functionality, including contact detection, height sensing, pressure measurement, and magnetic field generation, while being waterproof and resistant to corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
a wiring pattern is formed by laser direct structuring
Implementation Method 2
the circuitry may have wiring formed in a predetermined pattern on a surface of the resin of the body part and contribute to the predetermined function based on the wiring itself
Implementation Method 3
the function may include a fourth function of generating a magnetic field to transmit electric power to a fourth object, and the pattern corresponding to the fourth function may include a helical fourth pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
An end effector 10 according to the present disclosure is an end effector 10 for use in a robot, and includes a body part 11 containing a resin, and a circuitry part 12 including circuitry integrally formed with the resin in the body part 11 and contributing to a predetermined function.