Robot Arm Cable Routing Connecting Part

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot arm designs face restrictions in drive range due to cable routings that can interfere with other parts or objects, leading to limited movement and increased arm size.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a cable routing connecting part that is positioned within a defined circle of movement, allowing cables to connect inside and outside the arm without extending beyond the arm's rotation axis, with a tilt angle of up to 45 degrees, preventing interference and enabling greater arm rotation without restricting the drive range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cable routings are drawn out perpendicular to the arm casing, then cable routing is simplified, but the drive range of the arm is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routingVSAvoiddrive range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cable routing connecting part is positioned within the circle of movement in the radial direction, while cables extend in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis. This dimensional reorganization allows cables to exit the arm without interfering with the rotational path, resolving the conflict between routing simplicity and drive range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable routing connecting part acts as an intermediary component that facilitates cable connection within the circle of movement. This mediator enables cables to connect inside and outside the arm without requiring perpendicular extensions that would restrict arm rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixing part is added to bend and direct cable routings, then cable routing is achieved, but the circle of movement is enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routingVSAvoidcircle of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the cable routing function from the traditional fixing part that bends cables perpendicularly. Instead, the cable routing connecting part is positioned within the circle of movement and directs cables axially, removing the need for additional space-enlarging fixing structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If cable routings extend outside the circle of movement, then cable connection is easier, but interference with other parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connectionVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Cables are directed to extend in the axial dimension parallel to the rotation axis rather than radially outward. This dimensional change allows cable connection while keeping the routing within the circle of movement, eliminating interference with surrounding parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3002091B1robot

Publication Date: 2018.03.21 SEIKO EPSON CORP

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

A robot (10) includes an arm (11-16) that rotates about a predetermined rotation axis as a rotation center, and a cable routing connecting part (14c, 140c) that can connect a cable routing inside of the arm (11-16) and a cable routing outside of the arm (11-16), wherein the cable routing connecting part (14c, 140c) is provided in the arm (11-16), and present within a circle having a radius as a distance between a part of the arm (11-16) farthest from the rotation axis as seen from an axis direction of the rotation axis and the rotation axis and centered at the rotation axis.