Articulated Robot Arm Recessed Wire Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Articulated robots face interference issues with surrounding devices due to protruding connection members and suffer from cleanliness problems as these members are prone to foreign substance accumulation, leading to potential contamination and increased cleaning efforts, especially in environments requiring high hygiene.

Innovation Solution

The articulated robot design incorporates a recessed frame with connection members positioned inside, sealed by sealing members and covered by a cover member, which reduces interference and foreign substance intrusion, maintaining cleanliness and facilitating cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connection member is positioned on the surface of the arm near the work tool, then the connection of wire bodies is facilitated, but the connection member protrudes and interferes with surrounding devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection facilitationVSAvoidinterference with surrounding devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is nested within a recessed portion formed in the arm surface, creating a stepped configuration where the connection member sits below the outer surface level. This nesting approach allows the connection member to be accessible for wire body connection while preventing protrusion that would interfere with surrounding devices or robots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the connection member protrudes from the arm surface, then wire body connection is easier, but foreign substances accumulate around the connection member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection facilitationVSAvoidforeign substance accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is nested within a recessed portion, creating a contained space that prevents foreign substances from accumulating around the connection member. The recessed structure allows cleaning solutions to flow over the connection member without creating pooling areas where contaminants could accumulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member is positioned in a different vertical dimension relative to the arm surface, creating a stepped configuration. This dimensional change allows the connection member to remain accessible while eliminating the horizontal protrusion that causes foreign substance accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the connection member protrudes from the arm surface, then wire body connection is facilitated, but cleaning effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection facilitationVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is nested within a recessed portion, creating a streamlined surface that reduces areas where foreign substances can accumulate. This design allows cleaning solutions to flow smoothly over the connection member without creating pooling areas, thereby reducing cleaning effort and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9806457B2Articulated robot with connection member for connecting wire body arranged on arm

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 FANUC LTD

AI summary

An articulated robot comprises an arm which changes a direction at a joint, and a tube coupling to which a wire body is connected and which is attached to the arm. The arm includes a frame which has a hollow interior. The frame has a concave part which is depressed toward the interior. The tube coupling is arranged inside the concave part.