Robot Arm Shielding Layout for Capacitive Sensor Cable Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables routed through collaborative robots interfere with capacitive sensors, leading to deteriorated detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A robot design incorporating a housing with a detection electrode, a shield member, and a passage for cables, along with insulating and active shields, to prevent interference and maintain detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are routed through the robot arm housing, then cable routing is simplified and cables can be easily accessed, but the cables interfere with the capacitive sensor causing deteriorated detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm housing is divided into separate functional zones: a sensor accommodation portion for the capacitive sensor and a cable accommodation portion for cable routing. This segmentation isolates the cable path from the sensor area, eliminating interference while maintaining ease of cable routing through the dedicated cable accommodation portion.
Solution Approach 2:
A shield member is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable accommodation portion and the sensor accommodation portion. The shield member includes a passage for cable extension, creating a controlled interface that allows cable routing while blocking electromagnetic interference from reaching the capacitive sensor.
2Volume of moving object
If cables are routed close to the capacitive sensor, then cable routing is simplified and space is utilized efficiently, but the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor deteriorates due to cable interference
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior is segmented into distinct accommodation portions: one for the capacitive sensor and another for cables. This spatial segmentation allows efficient use of available volume while maintaining separation between interfering elements, achieving both compact design and sensor accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing path is extracted and separated from the sensor field area. By taking the cable accommodation portion out of the immediate sensor vicinity and providing dedicated routing paths, the design maintains efficient space utilization while removing the source of interference from the detection zone.
3Measurement precision
If a shield member with passage is introduced between housing and detection electrode, then cable interference with capacitive sensor is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic shielding to protect the capacitive sensor, contains a passage for cable routing, and structurally divides the housing into functional zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding function and cable routing function are merged into a single integrated shield member component. By combining these functions, the design avoids adding separate shielding plates and separate cable conduits, thus minimizing the increase in structural complexity while achieving both protection and routing requirements.
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
Prevents compromise of capacitive sensor detection accuracy by cables, facilitating easy cable routing and replacement while suppressing noise and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a shield member that is located between the housing and the detection electrode and has a passage through which a cable extends
Implementation Method 2
a detection electrode that is disposed in the housing and functions as a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 3
a first insulating member, an active shield, and a second insulating member that are collectively attached to the detection electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a housing forming an exterior of an arm, a detection electrode that is disposed in the housing and functions as a capacitive sensor, and a shield member that is located between the housing and the detection electrode and has a passage through which a cable extends from the outside of a space between the housing and the detection electrode to the inside of the space.