Quick Connection Device for Robot Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick connection devices for robots and functional arms, such as those using screws for locking, are inconvenient for quick disassembly and lack flexibility, as they restrict the end effector's ability to rotate and adjust its mounting position.

Innovation Solution

A quick connection device featuring a sleeve with a moving assembly that includes a support base, a mounting base, a locking member, and a limiting member, allowing for easy locking and unlocking states to facilitate rapid assembly and disassembly, enabling the end effector to rotate and adjust its position for improved flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fasteners such as screws are used for locking between the end effector and the robot arm, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the disassembly process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddisassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed to be movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. When moved to the unlocking position, it releases the limiting member, allowing the moving assembly to be pulled out of the sleeve. This dynamic mechanism enables quick disassembly while maintaining secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is divided into distinct functional components: a locking member for securing, a limiting member for positioning, and a moving assembly for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling reliable locking while facilitating quick release through independent manipulation of the locking member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the end effector is mounted in a fixed position on the robot arm, then the connection is stable, but the mounting position cannot be adjusted and flexibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidmounting position adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The moving assembly is designed to be movable within the sleeve along the axial direction. The limiting member restricts its movement to a preset range, providing stable positioning during operation, while allowing adjustment within this range to accommodate different mounting positions and improve flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting member is configured to restrict the moving assembly's movement to a preset distance range. This parameter-based constraint allows the end effector to be positioned at different locations along the axial direction while maintaining stable connection, enabling both adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is used to secure the moving assembly in the sleeve, then the connection is reliable, but the moving assembly cannot be quickly removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoiddisassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed to be manually operable, allowing the user to quickly move it between locking and unlocking positions. When unlocked, the limiting member automatically releases, enabling the moving assembly to be pulled out without additional tools or complex operations, significantly reducing disassembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting member acts as an intermediary between the locking member and the moving assembly. It translates the locking member's position changes into corresponding restrictions or releases of the moving assembly's movement, enabling quick release while maintaining reliable locking during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the locking member restricts movement of the mounting base, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking member for securing and a limiting member for positioning. This division allows each component to perform its function with a simple structure, avoiding the need for a complex integrated locking system while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is designed to be movable between two positions: locking and unlocking. This simple dynamic mechanism provides secure connection when locked while enabling easy release when unlocked, avoiding the need for complex multi-step locking procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4032664B1Quick connecting device, functional arm and robot
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 JD DIGITS HAIYI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4032664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4032664B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4032664B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a quick connection device, a functional arm and a robot. The quick connection device includes: a sleeved connected with a first member to be connected and a moving assembly movably disposed in the sleeve along an axial direction of the sleeve. The moving assembly includes: a support base disposed in the sleeve; a mounting base, configured to be connected with a second member to be connected and movable along the axial direction relative to the support base; a locking member, fixed to the mounting base and configured to cooperate with the support base to achieve a locking state and an unlocking state and restrict movement of the mounting base towards a direction away from the support base when in the locking state and allow movement of the mounting base towards a direction away from the support base when in the unlocking state; and a limiting member, configured to restrict movement of the moving assembly in the sleeve when the mounting base is in an initial position corresponding to the locking state, and release limiting when the mounting base moves a preset distance towards the direction away from the support base, in order to allow the moving assembly to move out of the sleeve.