Robot Arm Integrated Input Interface for Programming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for programming industrial robots require operators to remove hands from the robot arm to access external input devices, increasing time expenditure and risking disruption of the robot's position during programming.
Innovation Solution
Integration of input devices on the robot arm for controlling display and input menus, allowing all necessary operations to be performed without removing hands, with a swiveling monitor for improved visibility and redundant key placement for easy operation from different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If input devices are externally mounted for programming the robot, then the operator can access control functions, but the operator must remove hands from the robot arm increasing time expenditure and risking position disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the input devices with the operating unit on the robot arm, combining the functions of robot control and menu navigation into a single integrated interface. This eliminates the need for separate external keyboards or control panels that require hand removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating unit on the robot arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the mechanical interface for guiding the robot arm and as the control interface for accessing display menus and input fields. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external control devices.
2Ease of operation
If input devices are externally mounted for programming the robot, then control functions can be accessed, but the last-detected position of the robot arm may become affected or corrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the input devices with the operating unit on the robot arm, the system ensures that the operator maintains continuous physical contact with the arm during programming. This continuous contact guarantees that the robot arm's position detection remains uninterrupted and accurate throughout the programming process.
3Productivity
If the monitor is placed at a distance from the robot arm, then space is saved, but the operator cannot easily view the display during arm movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the monitor in the spatial dimension close to the operating unit on the robot arm, rather than placing it at a remote location. This spatial repositioning ensures that the monitor moves with the arm or remains within the operator's field of view, maintaining visibility throughout the programming process.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for programming an handling apparatus, an industrial robot in particular, having an operating unit situated on an arm of the handling apparatus, which is able to be moved by an operator for programming motion sequences together with the arm to different positions, especially processing positions, having input devices on the operating unit for detecting at least positions of the arm, preferably in the form of input keys, the operating unit being connected to a control device for the handling apparatus; and data transmitted via input devices of the operating unit to the control device being displayed to the operator via a monitoring unit. The input devices are additionally used for controlling and operating display menus and input menus stored in the control device, the display menus and the input menus being displayed on the monitoring unit.