Robot Arm Axis Calibration Using Integrated Signal Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for calibrating robot arms require dedicated tools, leading to potential errors from mounting and removing these tools and involving complex manual procedures.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a sensor-equipped robot arm to detect changes in signal strength caused by a reference mark, allowing for automatic determination of the original point of the axis without the need for dedicated calibration tools, using either discrete or continuous signal patterns to identify the center or extremity of signal fluctuations as the typical position for calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated calibrating tools are used for robot arm calibration, then calibration accuracy can be improved, but the complexity of the calibration process increases due to mounting and removing tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the calibration function from dedicated external tools and integrates it into the robot arm itself through sensors and reference marks. The robot arm's own components are used for calibration, eliminating the need for separate calibration tools and their associated mounting/removal procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot arm is given dual functionality: it performs both operational tasks and self-calibration. The sensors and reference marks equipped on the robot arm enable it to serve as both the work tool and the calibration instrument, reducing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated calibrating tools are mounted on the robot arm, then calibration can be performed, but potential errors are introduced from mounting and removing these tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidmounting errors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robot arm performs calibration on itself using integrated sensors and reference marks. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external tools that would require mounting and removal, thereby eliminating the source of mounting errors and improving calibration reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If manual calibration procedures are used, then calibration can be performed, but the time required for calibration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic feedback-based calibration where sensors continuously monitor the position of reference marks and automatically adjust calibration parameters. This closed-loop feedback system maintains calibration precision while eliminating manual intervention, significantly reducing calibration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical calibration procedures are replaced with an automatic sensor-based system. The sensors and automated control system substitute for manual operations, maintaining precision while reducing the time required for calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 easy and effective calibration of robot arms without dedicated tools, reducing errors and allowing for automatic calibration processes, thus improving the convenience and accuracy of the calibration procedure.

Implementation Method 1

receiving, during a movement of the robot arm in an axis of the robot arm, a signal collected by a sensor equipped at a frame of the robot arm; detecting a change in strength of the received signal, the change being caused by an offset between a position of a reference mark equipped at the robot arm and a position of the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3914426B1Method and apparatus for managing robot arm
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3914426B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3914426B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3914426B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for managing a robot arm (150) is provided. In the method, during a movement of the robot arm in an axis (130, 140) of the robot arm, a signal collected by a sensor (310) equipped at a frame (312) of the robot arm is received. A change in strength of the received signal (330, 360) is detected, where the change is caused by an offset between a position of a reference mark (320) equipped at the robot arm and a position of the sensor. An original point of the axis of the robot arm is determined based on the detected change. Further, an apparatus for managing the robot arm, a system for managing a robot arm, a computer readable medium, a robot system and a robot managing system are provided. The original point of the axis of the robot arm may be determined in a much easy and effective way without a dedicated calibrating tool, and then the robot arm may be calibrated based on the original point accurately.