Robot Arm Connection Assembly for Continuous Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of robot arms with armor decorative members often results in the pauldron contacting the shoulder, preventing further arm movement and affecting normal robot operation.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly with torsion springs and a five-bar linkage mechanism allows the arm to continue rotating by enabling relative movement between the armor decorative member and the arm, even when the upper end contacts the shoulder, using a combination of connection members, pins, and torsion springs to facilitate smooth rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the armor decorative member is rigidly connected to the arm, then the structure is simple and strong, but the arm cannot continue rotating after the pauldron contacts the shoulder
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into multiple segments: first connection member connected to the arm, second connection member connected to the pauldron, and a five-bar linkage mechanism connecting these members. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and enabling continuous arm rotation even when the pauldron contacts the shoulder.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic mechanism with degrees of freedom. The five-bar linkage and torsion springs enable the connection to adapt its configuration dynamically, allowing the arm to rotate through the full range of motion while the pauldron contacts the shoulder, thus maintaining reliability without excessive complexity.
2Shape
If the pauldron is designed to cover the joint between shoulder and arm, then the appearance is improved, but the pauldron blocks further arm movement when lifted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pauldron and the arm. It includes a five-bar linkage mechanism and torsion springs that mediate the interaction between these components, allowing the pauldron to maintain its joint-covering appearance while enabling the arm to continue rotating even when the pauldron contacts the shoulder.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly changes the operational parameters of the pauldron-arm system. By introducing degrees of freedom through the five-bar linkage and torsion springs, the system allows the pauldron to rotate relative to the arm, changing from a fixed blocking configuration to a dynamic configuration that maintains appearance while enabling continuous arm operation.
3Reliability
If a connection assembly with five-bar linkage and torsion springs is added, then arm rotation continuity is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the aesthetic appearance of joint coverage, enables continuous arm rotation, provides mechanical energy storage and return through torsion springs, and allows relative movement between the pauldron and arm. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive performance improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion springs in the connection assembly provide self-service by automatically storing and releasing mechanical energy during arm rotation. This self-regulating mechanism enables the arm to continue rotating after the pauldron contacts the shoulder without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, thus improving reliability while keeping the added complexity manageable.
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
Enables the arm to rotate freely beyond the initial contact point, maintaining normal operation by allowing the armor decorative member to move with the arm and utilizing torsion springs for mechanical energy storage and return, ensuring continued functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first torsion spring (143) connected to the first connection member (141) and configured to apply a restoring force to the armor decorative member (130)
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a robot includes a shoulder, an arm rotatably connected to the shoulder, an armor decorative member connected to the arm and located adjacent to the shoulder, and a connection assembly located between and rotatably connected to the arm and the armor decorative member. Relative rotation between the arm and the connection assembly and between the armor decorative member and the connection assembly enables the arm to continue to rotate after an upper end of the armor decorative member comes into contact with the shoulder.