Robot Arm Mechanical Stop for Adjustable Pivot Angle Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot arm systems lack a simple and rapid method to adjust the maximum pivot angle of pivot joints, which is essential for flexible operation and assembly, often requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A robot arm with a mechanical stop device featuring a stop protrusion and counter-stop body that can be easily positioned in form-fitting receptacles distributed across a circular arc, allowing for quick and safe adjustment of the maximum pivot angle by changing the counter-stop body's orientation and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical stop device is used to limit the maximum pivot angle of a pivot joint in a robot arm, then the operational safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device is segmented into modular components: a stop protrusion on one link, multiple receptacles on the other link, and interchangeable counter-stop bodies. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through mechanical constraint while improving adjustability by enabling simple reconfiguration through component relocation rather than complex recalibration
Solution Approach 2:
The stop device transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. Multiple receptacles are positioned at different angular locations around the pivot joint, allowing the counter-stop body to be relocated to change the maximum pivot angle. This dynamic reconfigurability resolves the contradiction by enabling both safety (through mechanical stopping) and adaptability (through easy adjustment)
2Reliability
If the counter-stop body is securely retained in the receptacle to ensure reliable stopping, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-stop body and receptacle are designed with complementary geometric shapes that create self-retaining engagement. The form-fitting connection automatically secures the counter-stop body in the receptacle without requiring additional fasteners or complex retention mechanisms. This self-service retention ensures stopping reliability while maintaining ease of operation, as the simple geometric interlock allows for tool-free installation and adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A robot arm includes a mechanical stop device having at least one counter-stop body having a shape, which, in interaction with a respective corresponding shape of a receptacle, is designed to retain the counter-stop body whenever the counter-stop body is inserted in one of a plurality of the receptacles. The receptacle retains the counter-stop body in both a circumferential direction and in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of a swivel joint, in a form-fitting manner.