Robot Arm Actuator with Assisting Device for Cost Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot arm systems face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying structures while maintaining effective actuation and movement capabilities, particularly in applications like welding where precise movement and assistive forces are required.
Innovation Solution
The robot arm apparatus incorporates a base structure, pivotable arms, actuators, and an assisting device that applies rotational force to assist the actuators, along with a welding torch and feeding device configuration, utilizing a compact actuator design with a speed reducer and rotary encoders for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional robot arm system is used with integrated actuators and feeding devices, then the system can perform welding tasks, but the manufacturing cost increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm system is divided into separate functional modules: the robot arm apparatus for positioning and the separate apparatus for welding wire feeding. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining functional integration during operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the feeding device is integrated to the robot arm, then the structure becomes compact, but the weight of the robot arm increases
Solution Approach 1:
A separate apparatus acts as an intermediary between the robot arm and the welding wire source. This intermediary device handles the wire feeding function externally, allowing the robot arm to remain lightweight while still achieving coordinated wire feeding through control system integration.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator is designed with all components inside the housing, then the structure is compact, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator employs a nested arrangement where the rotor is positioned within the stator, and the speed reducer is contained within the housing that encloses both. This nested doll-style configuration achieves compactness while allowing each component to be manufactured and assembled with standard precision tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot arm apparatus includes a base structure, a first arm, a first actuator, and an assisting device. The first arm is pivotable relative to the base structure about a first pivot axis. The first actuator is configured to pivotally actuate the first arm relative to the base structure. The assisting device is configured to apply an assist rotational force to the first arm to assist the first actuator.