Multi-jointed Robot Arm Nested Folding for Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-jointed robot arms are not compact enough to fit in the narrowing spaces of modern automatic processing machines and conveyance systems, which are becoming more compact and require efficient use of limited space for work delivery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-jointed robot arm design featuring a pair of support members on a base with a first arm member and a second arm member, where the second arm member can fold into a storage space between side portions of the first arm member, allowing for both extended and folded states for efficient space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a multi-jointed robot arm uses a simple folded configuration with multiple arms and joints, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the size reduction is not achieved and it cannot fit in narrow conveyance spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The second arm member is designed to be insertable into the first arm member, creating a nested configuration where one component fits inside another. This nesting principle allows the robot arm to achieve a compact folded state while maintaining structural integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between size reduction and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm employs a movable joint mechanism that enables dynamic transformation between extended and folded states. This dynamic capability allows the arm to adapt its configuration based on spatial requirements, achieving compactness when needed while maintaining full functionality, thus resolving the size versus complexity contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If the robot arm is designed to be compact for narrow spaces, then it can fit in limited conveyance areas, but the delivery range over certain distances may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable joint mechanism enables the robot arm to dynamically switch between a compact folded configuration for narrow space navigation and an extended configuration for long-distance delivery. This dynamic adaptability ensures that the arm can fit in limited conveyance areas while maintaining sufficient delivery range when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm is divided into multiple segments (first arm member and second arm member) connected by joints, allowing independent movement and positioning of each segment. This segmentation enables the arm to navigate narrow spaces by folding segments while maintaining the capability to extend the overall delivery range when needed.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple arms are folded via joints in a conventional manner, then the configuration remains simple, but the reduction in size for future compact automatic processing machines is not realized
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration where the second arm member fits into the first arm member provides significant size reduction while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The nesting principle allows for straightforward assembly and disassembly, and the components can be manufactured using conventional processes, thus resolving the contradiction between size reduction and manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-jointed robot arm which enables the use of a small space, in which a first arm member is supported to be capable of rotation in relation to a pair of support members, which are provided to stand on a base member at a predetermined width interval, by a first joint, further, a second arm member is supported to be capable of rotation in relation to the first arm member by a second joint, in which the second arm member holds a robot hand which grips a work on an opposite side from the second joint, the first arm member includes a pair of side portions which join the first joint and the second joint, and a storage space into which the second arm member enters between the pair of side portions is provided.