Robot Add-On Coupling With Auto Model Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot systems with protruding handles and input means complicate programming and movement due to fixed geometric contours, leading to potential collisions and hinder flexible reconfiguration without manual reprogramming.

Innovation Solution

A robot add-on part with a form-fitting coupling mechanism and data memory that allows for removable attachment to a robot arm, coupled with a control interface to transmit physical data for automatic adaptation of the robot model, ensuring accurate positioning and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If handles and electrical input means are permanently attached to the robot arm, then the robot structure is stable and simple to control, but the geometric contour becomes fixed and may cause collisions in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of robot configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system is divided into modular components: the robot arm and the add-on part are separate segments that can be independently configured. The coupling means enables these segments to be connected or disconnected without affecting the robot's fundamental structure, allowing flexible reconfiguration for different application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism transitions the attachment state from static (permanently fixed) to dynamic (releasably connected). The coupling means can be engaged or disengaged based on operational requirements, enabling the robot to adapt its geometric contour dynamically to avoid collisions in tight spaces while maintaining structural stability when connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If add-on parts are permanently integrated into the robot arm, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but reconfiguration requires manual reprogramming and time-consuming setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for reconfigurationVSAvoidposition and orientation data

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The add-on part performs self-identification and self-registration with the robot control system. When coupled to the robot arm, the coupling means automatically triggers data transmission from the add-on part's data memory to the robot controller, enabling the system to automatically update its model without requiring manual reprogramming or intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism incorporates a feedback loop where the physical connection between the add-on part and robot arm triggers an automatic data exchange process. The robot controller receives real-time information about the add-on part's position and orientation data, automatically updating the robot model to reflect the current configuration state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If coupling means provide releasable connection for flexibility, then adaptability improves, but positioning accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to attach and remove add-on partsVSAvoidposition and orientation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems with a more sophisticated mechanism that combines mechanical connection elements with electronic data transmission capabilities. This substitution enables the coupling to not only provide releasable mechanical connection but also automatically communicate precise position and orientation data between the add-on part and robot controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means acts as an intermediary element that bridges the mechanical connection and the control system. It contains both the mechanical coupling elements for releasable attachment and the data memory with control interface for automatic data transmission, mediating between the physical connection state and the digital model update process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If add-on parts contain data memory and control interface, then automatic model adaptation is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic transmission of physical dataVSAvoidcomplexity of add-on part structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data memory and control interface are merged into a single integrated unit within the add-on part. This combination consolidates the data storage and communication functions into one compact component, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automatic model adaptation when the add-on part is coupled to the robot arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250205905A1Robot Add-On Part, Control Device, Robot, and Associated Method

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 KUKA DEUT GMBH

AI summary

A robot add-on part includes a coupling which is connectable in a form-fitting manner, arranged on the casing and designed for releasable coupling to at least one counter-coupling on an outer surface of a link of a robot. At least one control component is arranged on the casing or in the casing and includes a data memory in which physical data of the robot add-on part are stored. A control interface is designed and configured to transmit the physical data of the robot add-on part present in the data memory to a control device of the robot when the robot add-on part is coupled to the link.