Robot-Arm Contact Roller Mount with Curved Leaf Springs for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for attaching pressure rollers to robot arms are inadequate in managing force peaks and vibrations, leading to disruptions in automated pressing or rolling processes.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device, or adapter, featuring a leaf spring assembly with curved leaf springs that elastically connects the pressure roller to the robot arm, providing decoupling from force peaks and vibrations, and enabling self-alignment and self-centering, manufactured via 3D printing for cost-effectiveness and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid fastening device is used to attach the pressure roller to the robot arm, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the robot arm is subjected to force peaks and vibrations that disrupt the pressing or rolling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible leaf springs instead of rigid fastening elements. The leaf springs are curved and elastic, allowing them to flex and absorb force peaks and vibrations while maintaining the connection between the pressure roller and robot arm. This flexible connection prevents disruptions in the pressing or rolling process while still providing sufficient structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the fastening device by using elastic materials and curved geometries for the leaf springs. The curvature and material properties are selected to provide appropriate flexibility, allowing the fastening device to adapt to dynamic loads and maintain process reliability under varying force conditions.
2Reliability
If a flexible connection is used to attach the pressure roller to the robot arm, then the decoupling from force peaks and vibrations is improved, but the structural strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf springs are designed as curved elastic elements that provide flexibility for absorbing vibrations while maintaining structural integrity. The curved geometry and material selection ensure that the flexible connection can withstand the required loads without failing, thus maintaining both process continuity and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device combines multiple leaf springs arranged in an assembly, creating a composite structure that distributes loads across multiple elements. This composite approach enhances the overall structural strength while maintaining the flexible, vibration-absorbing characteristics of individual leaf springs.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening devices are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to manage force peaks and vibrations is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf springs can be manufactured from elastic materials using conventional processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The curved geometry is achieved through standard forming techniques, and the assembly of multiple leaf springs follows traditional manufacturing practices, avoiding complex manufacturing requirements while providing superior vibration management.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact adapter design is pursued, then the distance between mounting sections is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf springs are arranged in an assembly where multiple springs are positioned closely together, creating a compact structure. The nested arrangement of the leaf springs allows the adapter to maintain a small volume while distributing the structural function across multiple elements, managing complexity through modular organization.
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
The adapter effectively decouples force peaks and vibrations, ensuring uninterrupted pressing or rolling processes, improves repeatability, and allows for compact, lightweight, and cost-effective automation of robotic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting section that elastically (i.e., not rigidly), in particular by spring action, connects the support section and the mounting section
Implementation Method 2
The leaf springs are shaped so that they are only subjected to loads below their material yield strength
Implementation Method 3
The curvature or multiple curvature of the leaf springs, especially in conjunction with an angle or inclination of the curved sections relative to a virtual connecting axis, allows for advantageous adjustment of the compression and rebound behavior
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter (100) for attaching a pressure roller (200) to a robot arm, comprising: - a mounting section (110) for attaching the adapter (100) to the robot arm; - a support section (120) for holding the pressure roller (200) on the adapter (100); and - a connecting section (130) that elastically connects the support section (120) and the mounting section (110), wherein the connecting section (130) is designed as a leaf spring assembly comprising several curved leaf springs (131) that connect the support section (120) and the mounting section (110), respectively. The invention further relates to a robot equipped with a pressure roller (200) and such an adapter (100) for attaching the pressure roller (200) to the robot arm.