Robot Arm Core Member Sandwiching Flat Cable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot arm systems experience mechanical loading issues with power cables, leading to cable fracture due to inadequate winding and stabilization, which compromises the robot's operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A robot arm configuration that includes a core member with a first and second member sandwiching a flat cable, fixed to both ends of the arm, with a guide portion to stabilize the winding and protect the cable, reducing mechanical load and preventing excessive force on the cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cable is wound around a core member within the joint part, then the cable is pulled and twisted at each time when the joint part is driven, but it is necessary to suppress the load as much as possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable windingVSAvoidmechanical load on cable

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The core member is divided into a first core member and a second core member that are rotatable relative to each other. This segmentation allows the cable to be wound around the first core member while the second core member can rotate to relieve mechanical load on the cable during joint part operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the cable is wound around a core member, then the winding state is not maintained as the robot is continuously used, but the mechanical load is not completely suppressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable winding stateVSAvoidcable fracture prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second core member is configured to be rotatable relative to the first core member, creating a dynamic structure that can adapt during continuous operation. This rotation capability maintains the cable winding state while preventing excessive mechanical load accumulation that would lead to cable fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The core member structure automatically maintains cable winding through the rotational capability of the second core member relative to the first, without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates to prevent cable fracture during continuous robot operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If both end sides of the flat cable are fixed to the arms, then the mechanical load on the flat cable during operation may be suppressed, but the cable still experiences pulling and twisting forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical load on cableVSAvoidcable pulling and twisting

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The core member acts as an intermediary between the cable and the joint part. The first core member winds the cable, while the second core member rotates to absorb pulling and twisting forces, preventing these harmful forces from being directly transmitted to the cable during joint part operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10391643B2Robot

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A robot includes an nth arm, an (n+1)th arm rotatably provided on the nth arm, and a core member provided at a center of rotation of the (n+1)th arm and having a first member and a second member. In the robot, a flat cable is sandwiched by the first member and the second member and wound around the core member.