Robot Arm Covering With Switching Strip Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots lack a simple and reliable collision detection system that can be easily integrated into their structural components, requiring additional spring elements and complex guide systems.
Innovation Solution
A robot arm design featuring a structural component with a covering and a contact sensor in the form of a switching strip, where the switching strip provides both preloading and guiding functions, eliminating the need for separate spring elements and guide systems, allowing for modular sensitivity adjustment and multi-axis collision detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a separate guide and spring elements are added for mounting the covering, then the mounting stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guide function and spring element function into the switching strip itself. The switching strip serves as both the contact sensor and provides the necessary guiding and preloading functions through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for separate guide elements and spring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching strip is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a contact sensor for collision detection, provides elastic preloading for the covering, and serves as a guide element for assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components required in the system.
2Reliability
If additional spring elements and guide systems are added, then the preloading and guiding functions are improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring element function into the switching strip, which is a standard sensor component. This eliminates the need for separate spring elements and guide systems, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the necessary preloading and guiding functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching strip utilizes its own inherent elasticity to provide the preloading function. The component serves itself by using its material properties to achieve the required mechanical function, eliminating the need for additional dedicated spring elements.
3Device complexity
If the switching strip serves as both sensor and guide element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific geometric features on the switching strip (such as defined contact surfaces and mounting geometries) that ensure precise collision detection at specific locations while maintaining the overall simplicity of using a single component for multiple functions.
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
This design enables quick assembly and disassembly, reduces complexity, and allows for sensitive collision detection without additional spring elements, while also serving as a safety mechanism to detect accidental detachment, enhancing the robot's reliability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a movable mounting of the covering on the structural component, which mounting is spring-preloaded into the basic position of the covering, is adjusted by an inherent elasticity of the switching strip
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a robot arm having a plurality of motor-driven joints and a plurality of links, each of which interconnect two adjacent joints. At least one of the links has a supporting structural component configured to transmit forces and/or torques from an adjacent joint to the other adjacent joint. The structural component is provided with at least one covering that at least partially covers the structural component and at least one contact sensor. The at least one contact sensor is configured as a switching strip arranged between the structural component and the covering. Movable mounting of the covering on the structural component, which mounting is spring-preloaded into the basic position of the covering, is adjusted by an inherent elasticity of the switching strip.